UNIJOS alumni demand swift rescue of kidnapped graduate

By Golok Nanmwa

The University of Jos Alumni Association (UJAA) has expressed deep concern over the kidnapping of one of its members, a fresh graduate identified as John Arum Azi, and called on security agencies to act swiftly for his immediate and safe release.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Global President, Gad Peter, the association described the incident as more than a mere headline, emphasising that “this is one of our own.”

The statement read in part: “We are deeply troubled by the news and circulating reports of a fellow Josite who has been kidnapped.

“The University of Jos Alumni Association stands united in concern, in prayer, and in hope for his safe and immediate return.

“At a time like this, silence is not an option. We call on the appropriate authorities to act swiftly and decisively to ensure his rescue. Every moment matters.”

Azi, a Plateau State resident and recent University of Jos graduate, was abducted by suspected bandits along the Jos–Kaduna highway while travelling to Kaduna to repair musical equipment for a client. His captors are demanding a ransom of N30 million.

A disturbing viral video, reportedly recorded with the victim’s phone and sent to his coursemates, has sparked widespread outrage.

In the footage, Azi is seen lying face down with a heavy stone placed on his back as armed assailants point a rifle at his head, flog him repeatedly, and force him to plead for his life.

“Please don’t kill me, I’m begging you,” he cried in the video while being compelled to appeal for the ransom.

Confirming the incident, his employer, Mr. Jethro Akau, described him as a hardworking and well-mannered young man who had just completed his studies and was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Azi worked as a technician specialising in the repair, servicing and installation of musical equipment, including car audio systems and keyboards.

He had embarked on the journey on Saturday as part of regular business engagements.

“I am deeply pained. This is a young man with a future, someone who is committed to his work and always ready to learn. It is heartbreaking to see him in such a condition,” Akau said.

He appealed to the abductors to show compassion: “I am begging those holding him to have mercy. He is innocent and hardworking.

“We are all worried and praying for his safe return. He does not deserve this kind of treatment.”

The UJAA urged its members and the general public to amplify the call for action while sharing information responsibly to keep the conversation active and pressure relevant authorities.

The association stressed solidarity among its members, adding: “When one Josite is in distress, we all stand together.”

As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the incident, even as calls continue to mount for urgent intervention to secure the victim’s release and tackle the rising cases of kidnapping along major highways in the country.