A graduate of University of Jos, John Arum Azi, has recounted how fear forced him to deny being a Christian while in captivity after he was abducted by suspected kidnappers who lured him with a fake job offer.
Azi shared the emotional testimony at a church gathering in Tudun Wada, Jos, describing how the kidnappers repeatedly interrogated and tortured him after taking him to a forest hideout in Zamfara State.
According to him, the abductors constantly fired guns and questioned him about his religious identity, leaving him terrified for his life.
Azi explained that the kidnappers repeatedly asked whether he was a pagan or a Christian during what he described as an intense interrogation session.
He said fear of death pushed him to initially deny his Christian faith because the kidnappers were shooting sporadically, making him believe he would be killed if he admitted being a Christian.
The graduate said the situation later became more brutal after the kidnappers discovered he was a Christian.
According to him, the revelation happened accidentally while he was being severely beaten by the abductors.
Azi stated that he was beaten mercilessly to the point where he thought he would not survive the torture. He added that during the assault, he suddenly shouted “Jesus” without realising it.
He said the kidnappers immediately realised he had lied about his faith and confronted him over it.
Azi disclosed that he eventually admitted being a Christian and told the abductors to kill him if they wished, rather than continue hiding his faith.
He added that the kidnappers thereafter began referring to him as “Pastor” throughout the remainder of his captivity.
The UNIJOS graduate explained that prayer became his source of strength while he remained in the kidnappers’ camp.
According to him, he constantly prayed for forgiveness, salvation, and protection while in captivity.
Azi had travelled from Jos to Kaduna on April 11 after receiving what he believed was a welding job offer, only to discover he had been tricked by kidnappers.
He was later moved into Zamfara State, where he spent 11 days in captivity before regaining freedom after ransom negotiations involving his family and sympathisers.
Glory be to God for saving your life and still gave you the chance to make known of His name to the Kidnappers, calling you a Pastor after every torture is the greatest part of your story, i know your sings are forgiven already sir.
God bless you and your family real good.