Governor Alia Condemns Kidnapping of 14 UTME Candidates

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed strong condemnation regarding the kidnapping of 14 candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Otukpo. In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia described the incident as a heinous act perpetrated by criminal elements, highlighting the violation of basic human values and the disruption of public order.

He reassured residents, particularly the families of the victims, that security operations have been deployed and intensified to track down the abductors. Governor Alia reiterated his earlier directives to security forces to root out terrorist groups hiding in the forests across the state and instructed them to leave no stone unturned in the rescue efforts.

He acknowledged the anxiety and pain caused to parents of the abducted students and assured that every possible human effort would be made to secure their safe release. The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to bolstering security in Benue State and urged citizens to remain calm and support security agencies with credible information.