Security Forces Rescue Kidnapped JAMB Students in Benue

On Wednesday night, gunmen intercepted a state-owned transport vehicle along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue State, abducting 18 passengers, including young men and women who were on their way to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed that five victims were rescued, leaving 13 still in captivity.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) issued a statement regarding the incident, confirming that eight of the kidnapped individuals were candidates for the examination. The urgency of travel was attributed to the examination schedule, which was set for the following day.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar commended the security forces for their gallantry and dedication in rescuing the abducted passengers, emphasizing the need to strengthen Nigeria's security architecture to prevent such incidents in the future.