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UTME Candidates abducted have been rescued.
Eight victims rescued from last Wednesday’s abduction involving a Benue Links bus have been confirmed as candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), raising concerns over student safety during examination periods.
The victims were among passengers kidnapped on April 15, 2026, while travelling to Otukpo to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
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Ejes Gist News reports that the incident involved an 18-seater commercial bus intercepted by armed assailants along the route.
Victims Freed After Days in Captivity
The eight individuals regained their freedom in the early hours of Sunday after spending approximately three days in captivity. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the circumstances surrounding their release.
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Among those rescued are three female candidates. Officials say all victims are currently receiving attention following their ordeal.
Police Present Victims to Government
The rescued victims were escorted to the Benue State Government House in Makurdi by the State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari.
They were accompanied by their parents and guardians ahead of an official reception by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Visible Signs of Trauma
Sources at the Government House indicated that the victims appeared visibly exhausted upon arrival, reflecting the physical and psychological strain of the abduction.
Officials confirmed that documentation and profiling processes are ongoing as part of formal procedures before the governor’s engagement.
Security Concerns Around Examination Travel
The incident has renewed attention on the risks faced by candidates travelling across states to sit for national examinations, particularly in areas affected by insecurity.
UTME 2026: JAMB Arrests Candidates, Parent Over AI-Based Score Forgery
Stakeholders in the education and security sectors have repeatedly called for enhanced protection measures during examination periods, especially for candidates moving through high-risk corridors.
