Governor Alia Appeals for Exam Reschedule After Kidnapping

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule examinations for eight UTME candidates who were kidnapped. This appeal was made on Sunday during a meeting with the victims at the Government House in Makurdi.

Alia described the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping, which involved 15 passengers, including the eight candidates, who were abducted near Otukpo on Wednesday night. Jessica Akor, one of the victims, detailed their harrowing experience, including threats from their abductors who demanded a ransom of N10 million.

The victims were held in captivity until their rescue by security agents, with seven suspects arrested in connection to the incident. Alia commended the efforts of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and urged security agencies to intensify their efforts to combat kidnapping in the state.

The victims were later taken to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital for medical examination and treatment.