Kidnapped UNIJOS Student, John Arum, Regains Freedom After Weeks In Captivity

A student of the University of Jos (UNIJOS), John Arum, has regained his freedom after spending weeks in captivity following his abduction.

Arum was kidnapped while travelling on the notorious route, long plagued by recurring attacks by armed bandits targeting commuters and travellers between Plateau and Kaduna States.

His release was confirmed in a video that surfaced online on Wednesday evening, showing the visibly distressed student appearing weak and exhausted, clad in dirty clothes after weeks in captivity. In the footage, a man speaking in Hausa language stood beside him and announced his release.

“This is John, who was kidnapped by bandits. We have now secured his release, and we thank Almighty God. May God protect us from such calamities,” the man said.

Details surrounding the circumstances of his release remained unclear as of the time of filing this report, with no official confirmation on whether a ransom was paid or if security operatives facilitated his freedom.

Arum’s release came days after a disturbing video about him emerged.

On April 16, 2026, the video surfaced online, showing the student in captivity being assaulted and pleading for help. He had been abducted alongside six other passengers.

In the earlier footage, Arum appeared visibly shaken and in distress as he made a desperate appeal to his family and relatives.

“Please help, family and relatives help. I have been kidnapped and I’m in a very critical condition here,” he said. “I don’t want to die. Please, help. Please, look for money by all means to secure my release.”

The kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦10 million for his release, though it remained unclear if the amount was paid.

The video also showed the student being brutally assaulted by his captors, who repeatedly beat him with a large stick in what appeared to be an attempt to coerce compliance and pressure his family. At one point, he was forced to lie face-down, with a heavy object placed on his back while a rifle was pointed at his head.

“Please don’t kill me… I’m begging you,” he pleaded during the assault.

Sources indicated that the video was recorded using Arum’s mobile phone and circulated among his coursemates via a group chat to intensify pressure on his family and friends to raise the ransom.

The fate of the six other passengers abducted alongside John remained uncertain, with no official updates on their condition or possible release.