Gunmen have reportedly abducted no fewer than 14 candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Benue State, raising fresh concerns about security in the region.
The victims were said to be traveling in a commercial bus from Makurdi to Otukpo when the attackers intercepted the vehicle. The journey, which should have been routine for students heading to sit for an important national examination, quickly turned into a distressing ordeal.
Most of those abducted are believed to be young individuals preparing to take their JAMB examinations scheduled for Thursday in Otukpo. Their trip was part of the usual movement of candidates across towns during examination periods, but it ended abruptly following the attack.
Authorities in the state have confirmed the incident. Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, disclosed that the victims were specifically on their way to write their exams when they were kidnapped.
“The victims are young people coming to Otukpo to write JAMB. Security agents have been deployed and efforts are ongoing to rescue them,” Ogiri said.
Following the incident, security personnel have been mobilized to track down the attackers and secure the release of the abducted candidates. However, as of now, details surrounding the perpetrators and their motives remain unclear.
The attack has intensified concerns among residents and parents, especially as students continue to travel across different parts of the state for examinations. Many are now questioning the level of protection available for young people during such critical academic activities.
Efforts to rescue the victims are ongoing, with authorities assuring the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure their safe return.
