At least 14 candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board have reportedly been abducted by gunmen in Benue State, raising fresh concerns over the safety of students travelling for national examinations.
The incident occurred along the Makurdi–Otukpo road when suspected armed men attacked a commercial bus conveying the candidates. The victims, mostly young students, were said to be on their way from Makurdi to Otukpo, where they were scheduled to sit for their examinations.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, said the attack took place while the candidates were en route to their examination centre.
“The victims are young people travelling to Otukpo to write JAMB. Security agents have been deployed, and efforts are ongoing to rescue them,” Ogiri said.
The abduction has heightened fears among parents and guardians, particularly as candidates across the country continue to travel to designated centres for the nationwide examination. The route where the incident occurred has reportedly witnessed security challenges in recent times.
Local sources indicated that the gunmen intercepted the vehicle, forced passengers out, and whisked away several of them into nearby bush paths. The identities of the victims have yet to be officially confirmed.
Security agencies have since launched a search-and-rescue operation, with officials assuring that efforts are being intensified to secure the safe release of the abducted candidates. However, as of the time of filing this report, no arrests have been announced.
The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the North-Central region, where cases of kidnapping for ransom have persisted despite ongoing military and police operations.
Stakeholders have called on authorities to strengthen security along major routes, particularly during nationwide examinations, to prevent further attacks on vulnerable groups such as students. The development underscores the broader challenge of ensuring safe access to education, as candidates and their families continue to face risks associated with travel for academic activities.
