By Ayo Kehinde
A wave of outrage has erupted over the alleged abduction and torture of a student of the University of Jos, John Arum, with suspected kidnappers reportedly demanding ₦30 million ransom amid growing concerns over a delayed official response.
The student was reportedly kidnapped while travelling to Kaduna, along a route long plagued by insecurity, particularly between Plateau State and Kaduna State.
The incident gained national attention after a disturbing video, allegedly recorded with the victim’s phone, surfaced on a university WhatsApp platform.
In the footage, the student appeared visibly battered and in distress, sparking fear for his life and intensifying calls for urgent intervention.
Sources within the student community said the kidnappers not only subjected the victim to physical abuse but also used the video to pressure for ransom payment, a tactic increasingly associated with criminal groups operating along Nigeria’s highways.
As of the time of filing this report, there is no official confirmation from security agencies, a development that has further fuelled anger among students and the public, who accuse authorities of slow response despite the viral evidence.
“We cannot keep seeing videos like this and hear nothing from those responsible for our safety,” a student source said, calling for immediate tracking of the perpetrators and rescue of the victim.
There are also conflicting reports regarding whether the victim’s family has been formally contacted, raising additional concerns about coordination in response efforts.
Security analysts say the incident underscores the worsening state of highway insecurity, where kidnappers now deploy psychological tactics, including forced recordings, to escalate ransom negotiations and instil fear.
Despite the absence of official confirmation, the case has triggered coordinated digital advocacy, with students and concerned Nigerians amplifying verified details while cautioning against misinformation that could jeopardise rescue efforts.
