A graduate of the University of Jos, John Arum Azi, has shared a harrowing account of his 11-day ordeal in captivity after a fraudulent job offer led him into the hands of kidnappers in Zamfara State. Azi shared his testimony on Sunday at a church located in Tudun Wada, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State. He revealed that he was abducted on April 11, 2026, after traveling from Jos to Zaria in Kaduna State for what he presumed was a legitimate welding opportunity. The victim explained that the suspected criminals had persistently contacted him via phone and even provided transport fare to establish trust. Azi stated, “They kept calling me, asking me to come and work for them. They even sent transport money, so I believed it was a real job.”
He mentioned that upon arrival in Zaria, he followed instructions to board a motorcycle to a village. Despite growing suspicions, his urgent need for employment pushed him forward. Azi remarked, “I started having doubts, but I told myself maybe it was a connection that could help me. I did not know they were kidnappers.” Upon reaching the village, a man claiming to be the employer met him and took him deeper into a remote forest. Azi recalled seeing a heavily armed individual waiting for them. He said, “I saw a gun I had never seen before in my life. The man told me not to be afraid and claimed the person was a hunter, but deep down I knew something was wrong.”
The kidnappers searched him, confiscated his tools and phone, and forced him to wear different clothes and a mask. He was then transported through Giwa Local Government Area into Zamfara State during a six-hour motorcycle journey through isolated routes. He noted that there was no security presence during the trip. At the camp, his limbs were tied, and the abductors contacted his family to demand a N30m ransom. Azi said, “I gave them my elder brother’s number. They called him and demanded N30m.” During his time in captivity, he was interrogated about his religious beliefs and tortured. He initially concealed his faith but eventually revealed it during a beating.
He recounted, “They were shooting guns everywhere and asking questions. Out of fear, I initially denied being a Christian because I thought they would kill me.” He later added, “While they were beating me, I suddenly shouted ‘Jesus.’ That was when they discovered I was a Christian.” Following this, the abductors began calling him Pastor. Throughout the ordeal, Azi focused on spiritual support. He stated, “The only thing I kept doing was praying and asking God to save me.” Following negotiations, the ransom was lowered to N6m. However, the kidnappers demanded more funds after the initial payment was made. Azi said, “They started beating me again and said my family should add another N4m. At that point, I thought I would not survive.” He was eventually released after several days through the combined support of relatives and sympathizers. The graduate expressed gratitude for his life despite the trauma of the experience.
0 Comments