Family narrates abduction, release of UniJos student, Azi
University of Jos Student Rescued After Two Weeks in Captivity
JOS, Nigeria — John Arum Azi, a student at the University of Jos, returned to the Plateau State capital late Wednesday night after two weeks in captivity. He arrived home around 10 p.m., having regained his freedom.
Azi was initially abducted while traveling from Jos to Kaduna. His plight drew significant attention after a distressing video of him being tortured circulated widely, sparking outrage across Nigeria and beyond.
During his captivity, Azi was reportedly moved by his abductors from Kaduna to Zamfara, which led to speculation about his fate, including reports that he had been killed. However, a video released on Tuesday confirmed his release, showing him with an individual presumed to be a family member.
Bulus Azi, John’s elder brother, verified that John is now back with the family and has been admitted to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for medical care. Bulus clarified that John was not abducted on the way to Kaduna, as was widely reported. Instead, he was taken in Zaria while en route to meet a contact for a job opportunity.
“John had already arrived in Zaria and was on his way to meet his contact when he was kidnapped and taken into the bush,” Bulus said. He also detailed the ongoing negotiations with the kidnappers, stating that the family maintained communication and sent money for phone credit at the kidnappers’ request.
Bulus explained that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 6 million naira (approximately $7,670). However, after observing crowdfunding efforts online, they raised their demand to 15 million naira. Following negotiations, the family settled on a payment of 10,315,000 naira (about $13,200).
John and another victim, identified as a Muslim boy from Toro in Bauchi State, were transported from Zamfara to Zaria on motorcycles, accompanied by an armed captor after the ransom was paid.
Upon reaching Zaria, the other abductee contacted a relative who quickly took them to a hospital for treatment. After receiving initial care in Zaria, a vehicle was arranged to transport John back to Jos. He arrived on Thursday evening and was immediately taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
Bulus noted that John’s body bore marks from the flogging he endured during his captivity.
When asked about the involvement of security agencies during the abduction, Bulus stated that the family had reported the incident to the police following the release of the video. They also received initial contact from the Department of State Services (DSS). However, he expressed disappointment that the police only reached out after learning about John’s release and offered a police escort after his family had already taken him to the hospital.
