The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that two candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have successfully escaped from their captors after being abducted while travelling in a commercial vehicle in Benue State.
GoNews report that the candidates were among passengers heading to Otukpo when the attack occurred, with reports indicating that around 14 UTME candidates were involved in the incident.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, said the vehicle was a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BGT 234 S4, belonging to Benue Links Limited.
According to the police, investigations have so far led to the arrest of one suspect connected to the abduction.
Edet also disclosed that the driver of the vehicle breached company regulations by embarking on an unauthorized late-night journey. She added that the driver failed to follow standard procedures by picking up passengers randomly along the route without issuing a formal manifest.
Security agencies have since intensified efforts to locate and rescue the remaining victims, deploying multiple tactical units to track down those responsible.
“The Command has deployed several tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and is working with other sister agencies to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims,” the statement said.
Authorities have assured the public that operations are ongoing and that those responsible for the incident will be brought to justice.
