A newly released video showing John Arum in captivity has sparked fresh concern over his safety, with many describing the footage as distressing and deeply emotional.
In the video released on Wednesday, Arum appears visibly shaken, reinforcing fears that he remains in the hands of his captors. The development has reignited calls for urgent action to secure his release.
Unconfirmed reports indicate that he may have been moved to Zamfara State, a region long troubled by insecurity. However, there has been no official confirmation from authorities regarding his current location.
The latest development comes amid earlier reports by First Daily detailing the circumstances surrounding Arum’s abduction.
The University of Jos student was reportedly kidnapped alongside six others while travelling from Jos to Kaduna en route to Zaria.
Recall that First Daily reported that the victim was kidnapped by suspected terrorists along the Kaduna highway, with the attackers demanding a ransom of N30 million for Arum’s release.
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The incident triggered widespread outrage after disturbing footage surfaced showing the student being brutally assaulted by armed men.
In the video, Arum was seen pleading for his life as he was repeatedly beaten with a large stick. At one point, the attackers allegedly placed a heavy stone on his back while he lay face-down and pressed a rifle against his head, intensifying the ordeal.
The kidnappers were also said to have forced the visibly weakened student to appeal publicly for help, revealing that seven travellers had been abducted and urging that the ransom be paid to secure their freedom.
Sources indicated that the footage was recorded using the victim’s mobile phone and circulated to his coursemates, apparently as a means of pressuring his family and associates to raise the demanded sum.
As of the time of reporting, the condition and whereabouts of the other victims remain unclear, with no confirmation on whether separate ransom demands have been issued.
The emergence of the new video has further intensified public concern, with many Nigerians expressing sympathy for Arum’s family and calling on security agencies to act swiftly.
As uncertainty lingers, supporters continue to hold on to hope, offering prayers for his safety and urging decisive intervention to ensure his safe return.