A graduate of the University of Jos, John Arum Azi, has shared a harrowing account of his 11-day kidnapping ordeal, during which fear for his life compelled him to deny his Christian faith. The incident unfolded after suspected kidnappers allegedly deceived him with a fake job opportunity.
Church Testimony in Jos
Azi narrated his experience during a church testimony in Tudun Wada, Jos, detailing the physical abuse and interrogation he endured while held captive in a forest camp in Zamfara State. According to reports from Tribune, the kidnappers repeatedly questioned him about his religious identity while firing gunshots around the camp, leaving him terrified.
Fear of Death Leads to Denial
Recounting the moment, Azi said: "They were doing me some interview, asking me, ‘Am I Arna? Am I Christian?’ To be honest, because I’m scared of death… they were shooting anyhow. So, I told them I’m pagan." The fear of being killed forced him to hide his Christian identity when the abductors first questioned him.
The situation changed unexpectedly during a severe beating inside the camp. Azi explained: "They beat me mercilessly to the extent that I thought I could not survive it. During the beating, I suddenly shouted ‘Jesus.’ I don’t even know when I shouted it." The kidnappers immediately reacted upon hearing him call the name of Jesus and confronted him about denying his religion.
Confession and Captivity
At that moment, Azi confessed: "They were like, ‘Jesus?’ So at that moment, I just confessed. I told them if they will kill me, they should kill me, I’m a Christian." According to Azi, the abductors later began calling him "Pastor" throughout the remaining period of his captivity.
Prayer became his primary source of comfort during his time in the kidnappers’ den. "The prayer I kept praying there was, ‘Oh our Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell, lead all souls to heaven,’" he said.
The Abduction and Ransom
Azi disclosed that he traveled from Jos to Kaduna on April 11 after receiving what he believed was a welding job offer. He later discovered the arrangement was a trap set by kidnappers. He was subsequently taken to Zamfara State, where he spent 11 days in captivity before regaining freedom after ransom negotiations involving family members and other supporters.
The graduate’s ordeal highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom remain a prevalent threat. His story serves as a testament to the resilience of faith under duress, as he ultimately chose to stand by his beliefs despite the risks.
