John Arum, a student of the University of Jos, has regained his freedom after spending several weeks in captivity following his abduction along the Jos–Kaduna highway.
Arum was kidnapped while travelling to Kaduna, along a route that has recorded repeated cases of abduction in recent years, raising ongoing concerns among commuters.
His return has brought relief to his family, friends, and members of the university community who had been awaiting updates on his condition.
The family confirmed his release after a video surfaced online showing him back home. His sister, Jessica Izang, said he is currently in Jos and receiving medical attention.
“He is with the family and undergoing medical checks. For now, we want to keep him safe and out of the public space, but we will issue a formal statement soon,” she said.
She also thanked individuals and groups who supported the family during the period of his abduction.
Providing additional details, his brother, Joseph Azi, said the family received a call from an unfamiliar number informing them that Arum had been found in Katsina State.
According to him, the caller said a passerby assisted Arum and took him to a motor park, where arrangements were made for his return to Jos. He was later received by family members late at night at the Farin Gada Roundabout.
“He was brought in by a driver. We took him home briefly before moving him to the hospital, where he is now receiving care,” he said.
Arum was reportedly abducted alongside other passengers, with his captors initially demanding N30 million. The amount was later reduced to N5 million during negotiations, before reportedly increasing again to N10 million.
At one point, unverified reports circulated suggesting he had been killed, but a video later emerged showing him alive.
Sources said he was eventually found along the Funtua–Zaria axis in a weak but stable condition. Another source indicated that a traveller who spotted him, along with another victim, assisted them before they were handed over to relatives in Katsina, who helped facilitate his return to Jos.
While his release has been welcomed, the incident adds to ongoing concerns about security along major highways, particularly the Jos–Kaduna route.
The family is expected to release an official statement in the coming days, as details surrounding the circumstances of his release remain unclear.
