14 JAMB Candidates Abducted in Benue — Shocking Kidnap Attack on UTME Students

JAMB candidates abducted in Benue this is the heartbreaking headline that shocked Nigeria on Wednesday night,
as gunmen ambushed a commercial bus carrying young students who were simply trying to get to their
Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) centre.
In one of the most disturbing attacks targeting students in recent times,
at least 14 passengers mostly JAMB candidates were kidnapped along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State,
throwing families into panic and reigniting urgent questions about security on Nigerian highways.

1. What Happened: JAMB Candidates Abducted in Benue

In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria,
gunmen abducted at least 14 passengers travelling on a Benue Links commercial bus
from Makurdi Benue’s state capital to Otukpo.
The victims were primarily young men and women heading to Otukpo to sit for their
JAMB UTME examinations scheduled for Thursday morning.

The attack took place between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday night,
as the bus was travelling through a particularly vulnerable stretch of the Makurdi–Otukpo road.
Armed men intercepted the vehicle, overpowered the passengers, and dragged most of them into the surrounding bush.
Only the driver and one passenger managed to escape.

2. How the Attack Unfolded on the Makurdi–Otukpo Road

According to security sources familiar with the incident, the bus was carrying approximately
16 to 18 passengers when it was intercepted near Otukpo by suspected bandits.
The attackers struck swiftly, taking most of the occupants into the forest before security could respond.

A source who spoke anonymously noted that “the passengers were mainly young persons heading to Otukpo
to sit for the JAMB examination scheduled for Thursday.”
The timing a Wednesday night journey raised immediate questions about why a commercial vehicle
was operating at such a late and high-risk hour.

3. Who Were the Victims? Young Nigerians Chasing Their Dreams

The victims are not just statistics they are young Nigerians with dreams of a university education.
They had registered and prepared for the JAMB UTME, one of the most critical examinations in a young Nigerian’s academic
journey, and were simply making their way to the examination centre when tragedy struck.

The Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed to journalists that
“the victims are mainly young boys and girls coming to Otukpo to write JAMB.”
Families of the abducted candidates have been left in anguish, desperately awaiting news of their loved ones.

4. Police Response and Rescue Operation After JAMB Candidates Were Abducted in Benue

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the abduction and immediately
launched a full-scale rescue operation, personally travelling to Otukpo to lead efforts on the ground.

“I am in Otukpo now with all my team and DPOs who are here in the bush, and I am heading the operation,”
the Commissioner stated, assuring the public that all available security resources had been deployed to track down
the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims.

Security operatives have been mobilised and are currently combing the forests along the road in search of the abducted candidates.
The Commissioner also confirmed that one passenger managed to escape during the chaos and has since provided
first-hand information to investigators.

5. Benue Links Bus Company: What Went Wrong?

A critical detail emerging from the investigation is the role of the Benue Links bus company’s own safety policy
— and how it was allegedly violated the night of the attack.

According to the company’s General Manager, Alexander Fanafa, Benue Links has a strict
no-night-travel policy for all its drivers. However, the driver involved in Wednesday’s attack
allegedly picked up passengers after official operating hours had closed, in direct violation of
company directives.

“I have warned all drivers to stop night journeys, as they would be held as first suspects if anything
unfortunate happens,” Fanafa stated.
The driver has since been arrested and placed under investigation for breaching the company’s
safety directive — a development that raises serious questions about internal compliance and oversight
within the transport company.

Related: Nigeria Road Safety Guide — How to Stay Safe on Long Distance Journeys

6. A Dangerous Road: The Growing Pattern of Attacks in Benue

Wednesday’s abduction of JAMB candidates did not occur in isolation.
Passengers travelling along the Makurdi–Otukpo road have faced repeated attacks by gunmen in recent months,
highlighting a deeply troubling pattern of insecurity along this key highway in Benue State.

This route connects the state capital to one of Benue’s most important commercial and academic hubs —
making the persistent attacks not just a security failure, but an economic and educational crisis
for the communities that depend on it daily.

Security analysts have consistently called for increased military and police presence along this corridor,
particularly during high-traffic periods such as examination seasons.

For the latest security reports across Nigeria, visit
Punch Nigeria — Nigeria’s Most Widely Read Newspaper.

7. Government and Local Authority Reaction

Beyond the police, local government authorities have also responded swiftly.
Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogiri convened an emergency security meeting
immediately after receiving news of the attack, after which security operatives were deployed into the forests
surrounding the road.

“I am just coming out of a security meeting, and security operatives have been moved into the forest
to help rescue the kidnapped victims,” Ogiri confirmed.

At the state level, authorities have yet to release an official statement on what long-term security measures
will be put in place to prevent future attacks on the Makurdi–Otukpo corridor
a silence that many Nigerians are finding increasingly frustrating.

Also read: Benue State Security Crisis — What You Need to Know in 2025

8. Critical Safety Tips for JAMB Candidates Travelling in Nigeria

In light of the abduction of JAMB candidates in Benue, here are urgent safety tips
every UTME candidate and their parents must know before travelling to examination centres:

• Never travel at night avoid any journey after 6:00 p.m. in high-risk states
• Travel a day early book accommodation near your exam centre the night before
• Use only licensed, reputable transport verify that your transport company operates within approved hours
• Share your location always inform a trusted person of your route and expected arrival time
• Keep emergency numbers saved Police Emergency: 112 | Benue Police Command: 08067337670
• Travel in groups where possible safety in numbers reduces individual risk
• Keep your phone fully charged and carry a power bank for long journeys

For JAMB examination schedules and official updates, visit the
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Official Website.

9. Conclusion: Justice and Safety Must Be Priorities for Every Nigerian Student

The abduction of JAMB candidates in Benue State is a national emergency that demands more than
a press statement it demands urgent, sustained action from all levels of government.
These were not soldiers or politicians targeted for ransom. They were young Nigerians, doing nothing more than
pursuing an education a fundamental right that should never come at the cost of their lives or freedom.

As rescue operations continue, the entire nation watches and prays for the safe return of every one of the abducted
candidates. The Nigerian government, security agencies, and transport companies must come together to ensure that
the Makurdi–Otukpo road and every road in Nigeria is made safe for students, commuters, and all citizens.

No child should have to risk their life to write an exam.
Nigeria must do better.