The University of Jos (UNIJOS) has ordered an immediate halt to all fundraising efforts for the rescue of abducted former student, John Azi.
Azi, a graduate of Early Childhood Education, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday while travelling to Zaria for work.
The decision follows a surge of online appeals for donations after a video allegedly released by the kidnappers surfaced, showing the victim being assaulted. The footage triggered outrage, with several users on X sharing posts seeking financial support for his release.
However, in a circular issued on Tuesday, the university’s Dean of Student Affairs, Christopher Piwuna, confirmed the incident had been verified and reported to relevant authorities.
“This incident has been verified and duly reported to the University Administration and relevant authorities,” the statement read.
Piwuna said UNIJOS is collaborating with security agencies to secure Azi’s safe return and urged students to remain calm.
He warned that fundraising efforts could be exploited by criminal elements, particularly as kidnappers may be monitoring such activities.
The victim’s elder brother, Joseph Azi, revealed that the abductors initially demanded N30 million but later reduced the ransom to N5 million, along with undisclosed conditions.
The university also cautioned staff and student leaders against making unauthorised public statements or social media posts, stressing that speculation could undermine rescue efforts.
Piwuna urged anyone with credible information to report directly to the university or the victim’s family, while emphasising that security agencies should be allowed to handle the situation without interference.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the student and his loved ones during this difficult time,” he added.
