A disturbing video circulating on social media has reignited concerns over Nigeria’s escalating kidnapping crisis, as a young man identified as John Arum Azi pleads for help after being abducted along the Kaduna route. The 24-year-old, reportedly travelling to Kaduna, was taken hostage alongside six others, making a total of seven victims. The incident highlights the continued vulnerability of travellers on major highways in northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region, where kidnapping for ransom remains a persistent threat.
The video, posted on Facebook by one of Azi’s course mates, appears to have been recorded using the victim’s own phone. According to reports, the kidnappers forced Azi to make the plea to his family and the public, showing him visibly distressed as he begged for financial assistance to secure his release. The footage has since gone viral, drawing widespread attention and outrage across social media platforms.
Initially, the abductors demanded a ransom of N30 million. When Azi informed them he could not afford the amount, they reportedly threatened to kill him. This chilling detail underscores the brutal tactics employed by criminal gangs operating in the region, where abduction has become a common method of extortion and violence.
Insecurity in northern Nigeria, especially in states like Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Niger, and Kogi, has worsened over the past few years. Kidnapping for ransom has become a frequent occurrence, with armed groups targeting students, rural communities, and travellers on major roads. Despite repeated assurances from security agencies that operations are being intensified to combat the menace, incidents like Azi’s abduction continue to erode public confidence in safety on highways.
As of now, no official statement has been issued by security authorities regarding the abduction. The victim remains in the custody of his abductors, and there is no confirmed information on the whereabouts of the other six individuals taken alongside him. The lack of immediate response from security agencies has further fueled public anxiety and frustration.
This case is emblematic of the broader insecurity crisis gripping Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, where criminal networks have grown increasingly bold and organized. The abduction of John Arum Azi serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by ordinary Nigerians daily. As the nation grapples with rising insecurity, urgent and sustained action from both government and security forces is needed to protect lives and restore peace on the roads.
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