UNIJOS graduate recounts abduction after accepting fake job offer

John Azi, a graduate of the University of Jos, has narrated how a fake job opportunity allegedly led to his abduction and detention in a kidnappers’ camp in Zamfara State.

Speaking yesterday at a church in Tudun Wada, Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, Azi recounted that he was kidnapped on April 11, 2026, after travelling from Jos to Zaria in Kaduna State for what he believed was a welding job.

According to him, the suspected kidnappers convinced him the offer was genuine by repeatedly calling him and sending transportation money.

“They kept calling me, asking me to come and work for them. They even sent transport money, so, I believed it was real work,” he said.

Azi explained that after arriving in Zaria, he contacted the individuals, who directed him to board another motorcycle heading to a village.

Although he sensed danger during the journey, he ignored the warning signs because of his desperation to secure work.

“I started having doubts, but I told myself maybe it was a connection that could help me. I did not know they were kidnappers,” he said.

He said that upon reaching the village, a man identified himself as the person behind the job offer and took him deeper into a forested area on a motorcycle.

There, he noticed another armed man waiting.

“I saw a gun I had never seen before in my life. The man told me not to be afraid and claimed the person was a hunter, but deep down I knew something was wrong,” Azi recounted.

According to him, the kidnappers immediately seized his belongings, including his phone, work tools and bag, while forcing him to wear unfamiliar clothes and a face mask.

He alleged that he was later transported through Giwa Local Government Area into Zamfara State after spending nearly six hours travelling through remote bush paths on motorcycles.

“We spent almost six hours moving through the bush on motorcycles. There was no security anywhere,” he said.

Azi disclosed that after arriving at the kidnappers’ camp, his hands and legs were tied while the abductors contacted his family and demanded N30 million ransom.

“I gave them my elder brother’s number. They called and demanded N30 million,” he stated.

The graduate further alleged that he was repeatedly tortured and interrogated about his religion during captivity.

According to him, the abductors threatened to kill him after suspecting he was a Christian.

“They were shooting guns everywhere and asking questions. Out of fear, I initially denied being a Christian because I thought they would kill me,” he said.

He added that after enduring severe beatings, he eventually cried out “Jesus,” which revealed his faith to the abductors.

“While they were beating me, I suddenly shouted ‘Jesus.’ That was when they discovered I was a Christian,” he said.

Azi said the kidnappers later nicknamed him “Pastor” throughout his detention.

He credited prayers and faith for helping him survive the ordeal.

“The only thing I kept doing was praying and asking God to save me,” he said.

According to him, the kidnappers later reduced the ransom demand from N30 million to N6 million after negotiations.

However, he claimed the abductors still delayed his release and demanded another N4 million even after receiving payment.

“They started beating me again and said my family should add another N4 million. At that point, I thought I would not survive,” he said.

Azi said support from family members, friends and sympathisers eventually secured his freedom after several days in captivity, adding that he returned home deeply traumatised but thankful to be alive.

Africans Angle News