Unidentified gunmen have abducted at least 14 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) candidates in Benue State, sparking widespread concern over security in the region. The incident occurred during an attack on a commercial bus traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo, where the victims were scheduled to sit for their JAMB examinations on Thursday. The candidates, mostly young adults, were en route to the examination center when armed men ambushed the vehicle, forcing them off the road and taking them into captivity. Authorities have confirmed the abduction and are currently working to locate and rescue the victims.
The attack has raised alarm among parents, educators, and government officials, who are urging for immediate action to ensure the safety of students and examination candidates. Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, confirmed the incident during a press briefing in Makurdi. He stated that the victims were traveling to Otukpo specifically to write their JAMB exams, a crucial step for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. Ogiri emphasized that security agencies have been deployed to the area and are actively engaged in rescue operations. “The victims are young people coming to Otukpo to write JAMB. Security agents have been deployed and efforts are ongoing to rescue them,” he said.
The incident highlights the growing insecurity in parts of Benue State, where armed groups have increasingly targeted civilians, including students and travelers. JAMB examinations are a significant event in Nigeria’s academic calendar, with thousands of candidates across the country sitting for the tests each year. The abduction of these candidates not only threatens their immediate safety but also jeopardizes their educational prospects. Families and stakeholders are anxiously awaiting updates on the situation, as the rescue mission continues.
Security forces have intensified patrols along major routes in Benue, particularly between Makurdi and Otukpo, to prevent further attacks. The Federal Government and JAMB have also been notified of the incident, and officials are expected to provide further updates on the status of the kidnapped candidates. The abduction has drawn attention to the broader issue of insecurity in the North Central region, where banditry and kidnapping have become persistent threats.
This incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect students and travelers, especially during critical periods like examination seasons. As efforts to locate the abducted candidates continue, the nation watches closely, hoping for a swift and safe resolution. The safety of these young people remains a top priority, and their timely rescue is essential to restore confidence in the region’s security and educational systems.
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