Benue Governor Urges JAMB to Reschedule Exam for Rescued UTME Candidates

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has confirmed the rescue of 15 passengers abducted along the Taraku–Otukpo road, including eight candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Speaking on Sunday in Makurdi during a joint briefing with the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, the governor said the victims were freed unharmed after days in captivity.

According to him, 17 people were initially taken during the attack on Wednesday, April 15. Two managed to escape shortly after the abduction, leaving 15 who were later rescued through coordinated security efforts.

Governor Alia said the state government had ensured immediate medical attention for all the rescued victims and directed relevant agencies to support their recovery and continued education. He also called on JAMB to arrange a separate opportunity for the eight UTME candidates affected by the incident.

Security authorities confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with the case. Police said eight suspects are currently in custody, with investigations linking several of them to other reported kidnappings in the area.

The Commissioner of Police attributed the operation to joint security efforts, supported by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and coordination with the state government.

Alia reaffirmed the state’s security stance, stating that efforts would continue to target criminal networks operating in the state.