John Arum, a student of the University of Jos, has regained his freedom after being held captive by armed bandits who abducted him alongside six other passengers on the highway between Plateau and Kaduna States.

His release was confirmed in a video that surfaced online on Wednesday evening, showing Arum visibly weak and exhausted, dressed in dirty clothes. A man standing beside him and speaking in Hausa announced the development, stating: "This is John, who was kidnapped by bandits. We have now secured his release, and we thank Almighty God. May God protect us from such calamities."

The circumstances surrounding his release remained unclear at the time of filing this report. It was not confirmed whether a ransom was paid or whether security operatives played a role in securing his freedom.

His release came days after a distressing video emerged on April 16, 2026, showing Arum in captivity, being physically assaulted and pleading for help. In the footage, he appealed directly to his family, saying: "Please help, family and relatives, help. I have been kidnapped, and I'm in a very critical condition here. I don't want to die. Please, help. Please, look for money by all means to secure my release."

The video also showed captors repeatedly striking him with a large stick, forcing him to lie face down with a heavy object placed on his back while a rifle was pointed at his head. At one point, he cried out: "Please don't kill me…I'm begging you."

His kidnappers demanded a ransom of N10 million, though whether the amount was paid remained unconfirmed. Sources indicated the video was recorded on Arum's mobile phone and shared through a coursemates group chat to mount pressure on his family.

The fate of the six other passengers abducted alongside Arum remained uncertain, with no official update on their whereabouts or condition.