UTME Candidates Among 14 Abducted in Benue Road Attack
Several passengers, including candidates of the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, have been abducted by suspected bandits along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State.
According to Punch, the victims were travelling in a Benue Links bus from Makurdi to Otukpo when the vehicle was attacked on Wednesday night, April 15, 2026.
A source disclosed that the bus, carrying about 18 passengers, was intercepted near Otukpo around 8:00 p.m., after which most of the occupants were taken into the bush. The passengers were reportedly young individuals heading to Otukpo to sit for the UTME scheduled for the following day.
The source added that the driver and one passenger managed to escape during the incident.
Confirming the development, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, stated that 14 passengers were abducted.
He noted that he is currently in Otukpo coordinating search-and-rescue operations alongside other officers. He also revealed that investigations are underway, particularly regarding the circumstances of the journey.
The police chief further stated that Benue Links operates a policy against night travel, adding that the driver may have picked up passengers outside approved hours.
He assured that efforts are ongoing to secure the safe rescue of the victims.
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