Dare Babalola
Kidnappers holding a student of the University of Jos, John Arum, have released a second video showing the victim in captivity, heightening anxiety over his safety.
In the latest footage, Arum is seen kneeling on the ground while a gunman, armed with a rifle, stands over him.
During the recording, the student stated that they are being held in Zamfara State, as the abductors issue a chilling warning that he could be killed if their demands are not met.
The victim was reportedly kidnapped alongside six others along the Jos–Kaduna highway, a corridor long plagued by recurring abduction cases and security challenges.
Sources familiar with the situation disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦30 million but have since reduced it to ₦4 million.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies regarding negotiations or efforts to secure the victims’ release.
The emergence of the new video has further amplified concerns over the persistent wave of kidnappings across major highways, particularly in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions, where criminal gangs continue to target commuters and residents.
The incident adds to growing calls for intensified security operations and more decisive action to curb the rising threat of abductions nationwide.
