A disturbing video circulating on social media has reignited concerns over Nigeria’s worsening kidnapping crisis, as a young man identified as John Arum Azi is seen pleading for help after reportedly being abducted along the Kaduna route.
In the viral footage, Azi disclosed that he was travelling to Kaduna when he was kidnapped alongside six other individuals, bringing the total number of victims to seven. He appeared visibly distressed as he appealed to his family and the public for financial assistance to secure his release.
The video was reportedly shared on Facebook by one of his course mates, allegedly using Azi’s own phone after the kidnappers forced him to record the message. In the clip, he narrated his ordeal and begged for urgent intervention to save his life.
According to his account, the abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦30 million. He said the kidnappers threatened to kill him after he informed them that he could not afford the amount.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent insecurity across parts of northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West region, where kidnapping for ransom has become widespread.
States including Zamfara State, Katsina State, Kaduna State, Sokoto State, Niger State, and Kogi State have continued to record frequent abductions, with criminal groups targeting travellers, rural communities, and students.
Despite repeated assurances from security agencies that efforts are being intensified to curb the menace, incidents like this continue to heighten public anxiety and raise serious concerns over the safety of commuters on major highways across the country.
