The viral video of a Plateau State resident identified as John Arum being assaulted by his abductors has sparked outrage.

Arum is a fresh graduate of the University of Jos and who is preparing to enroll for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The victim, according to his associates, was abducted along the Jos–Kaduna highway, with his abductors demanding a ransom of N30 million.

In a footage, which has gone viral, Arum was seen lying face-down with a stone placed on his back before and being beaten by two kidnappers.

Sources said the video was recorded using the victim’s mobile phone and sent to various WhatsApp groups to pressure his family and associates into meeting the kidnappers’ demands.

Confirming the incident, Arum’s employer, Mr. Jethro Akau, described him as a hardworking and well-mannered young man who had just completed his studies and was awaiting mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

According to Akau, the victim worked as a technician specialising in the repair, servicing and installation of musical equipment.

He explained that the victim embarked on the journey on Saturday after being invited to Kaduna to fix some faulty musical equipment.

“Later, when I tried reaching him, his phone was switched off. It was his elder brother who eventually informed me that he had been kidnapped,” Akau said.

Expressing deep anguish over the incident, Akau said the development had left him devastated, noting that the victim was not just a staff member, but also someone he had grown to trust and depends on.

“I am deeply pained. This is a young man with a future, someone who is committed to his work and always ready to learn. It Is heartbreaking to see him in such a condition. I am begging those holding him to have mercy. He is innocent and hardworking. We are all worried and praying for his safe return. He does not deserve this kind of treatment,” Akau said. (Daily Trust)

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