Public anger is mounting across Nigeria following the circulation of a disturbing video showing a University of Jos student, John Arum Azi, in the custody of kidnappers, prompting the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) to warn of a dangerous breakdown in national security.
The footage, which shows the visibly distressed student pleading for his life, has reignited concerns over the growing boldness of criminal gangs and the vulnerability of citizens on major highways.
The student was reportedly abducted along the Kaduna–Jos road, a corridor increasingly associated with frequent attacks and abductions, underscoring what observers describe as the shrinking reach of state authority in high-risk areas.
Reacting to the incident, HURIWA said the episode reflects a broader crisis, where kidnapping has become entrenched as a systemic threat rather than isolated criminal activity.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the group warned that the country is witnessing a steady erosion of deterrence, with armed groups operating with confidence and expanding their activities across regions.
According to HURIWA, the targeting of a student highlights an alarming trend in which education-related travel has become a point of vulnerability, particularly for young Nigerians.
The organisation also pointed to similar incidents involving students in the North Central region, noting that such attacks signal a widening scope of targets for kidnappers.
While acknowledging ongoing security efforts, HURIWA questioned their overall effectiveness, arguing that the persistence of such incidents suggests deeper structural gaps in intelligence, coordination, and response.
It further expressed concern over the limited disruption of financial networks believed to sustain kidnapping operations, stressing that ransom payments have become a key driver of the crisis.
The group also drew attention to delays in the judicial process, warning that slow prosecutions and weak consequences risk emboldening perpetrators.
To address the situation, HURIWA called for a more coordinated national strategy, including faster judicial processes for kidnapping cases, improved surveillance across major routes, and stronger collaboration among security agencies.
It also advocated measures to reduce exposure to travel-related risks, particularly for students, alongside support systems for victims and affected families.
HURIWA maintained that the incident should serve as a turning point in the national response to insecurity, warning that continued inaction could deepen public distrust and further weaken confidence in state institutions.
The statement was signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, who stressed the need for urgent, sustained, and measurable action to restore safety and accountability.