A graduate of the University of Jos, John Arum Azi, has narrated how he survived 11 days in captivity after being abducted in Zamfara State through a fake job offer that turned out to be a kidnapping trap.
Azi shared his experience during a testimony at a church in Tudun Wada, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, describing how he was deceived with a fake welding job opportunity while traveling from Jos to Zaria in Kaduna State.
According to him, the suspects initially contacted him repeatedly, offering him employment and even sending transport fare to make the offer appear genuine. He said he was instructed to travel to Zaria, where he was later directed onto a motorcycle heading toward a rural area.
Azi explained that although he became suspicious during the journey, he continued because he was in urgent need of work. On arrival, he was reportedly taken deeper into a forest area where armed men were waiting.
He said he was immediately seized, blindfolded, and transported through forest routes from Kaduna State into Zamfara State, where he was held hostage. During the journey, his phone and belongings were confiscated, and he was forced to wear unfamiliar clothing and a face mask.
Upon arrival at the kidnappers’ camp, he said his family was contacted and a ransom of ₦30 million was demanded, later reduced to ₦6 million after negotiations. He also alleged that he was repeatedly assaulted and interrogated during captivity.
The victim further recounted that the abductors demanded additional payment even after part of the ransom was paid, prolonging his detention before his eventual release through contributions from family and sympathisers.
He credited his survival to constant prayers and faith, describing the experience as deeply traumatic but thankful to have returned alive after 11 days.
