A graduate of the University of Jos, Plateau State, John Arum Azi, has recounted how suspected kidnappers lured him into captivity through a fake welding job offer after persistently contacting him by phone and even sending him transport fare to convince him the offer was genuine.………
Azi narrated his ordeal after spending 11 days in captivity following the alleged abduction that took him from Kaduna State into remote forests in Zamfara State.
He shared the testimony at a church service in Tudun Wada area of Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday, describing how desperation for employment pushed him into what he later discovered was a carefully planned kidnapping operation.
According to him, the ordeal began after individuals repeatedly contacted him with promises of welding work.
The UNIJOS graduate said the callers went as far as sending him transport money to persuade him that the offer was legitimate.iu
“They kept calling me, asking me to come and work for them. They even sent transport money, so I believed it was a real job,” he said.
Azi explained that he travelled from Jos to Zaria, Kaduna State, on April 11, 2026, believing he was heading for a welding job opportunity.
However, shortly after arriving in Zaria and contacting the supposed employers, he was instructed to board a motorcycle heading to a village.
He admitted that he became suspicious during the journey but ignored the warning signs because he desperately needed 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.
