Benue JAMB Candidates Rescued, Herdsmen Suspects Arrested

MAKURDI, Benue, Nigeria –  Security operatives have rescued all 15 passengers abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State.

The victims included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board heading to Otukpo for their examinations. They were freed unhurt after a coordinated multi-agency operation that applied heavy pressure on the kidnappers.

Benue State Police Commissioner Ifeanyi Emenari disclosed the development while presenting the rescued victims to Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi. He stressed that preliminary investigations and accounts from the victims themselves point directly to militia herdsmen operating as bandits in the area. The command has firmly pushed back against swirling narratives around the incident.

Emenari said the rescue operation unfolded in phases. Five passengers were released earlier, while the remaining 13 were recovered on Sunday morning. The breakthrough followed the deployment of tactical teams ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, which forced the suspects to abandon their captives.

The police chief revealed that the testimony of the victims has been central to the case. “We already have eight suspects in custody, and out of this number, seven are suspected herdsmen bandits connected with the crime,” he stated. Some of the rescued candidates have been able to identify them.

The command confirmed that all victims are safe and have been debriefed. No ransom was paid, and investigations are ongoing to determine if the suspects belong to a larger syndicate terrorising the Makurdi–Otukpo axis. Residents have welcomed the swift action by security agencies.

The incident, which occurred last week, had raised fresh concerns about safety on Benue highways, especially during peak examination periods. NaijaChoice News understands that similar attacks have disrupted travel and education activities in the North-Central region in recent times.

Governor Alia commended the police and other security operatives for the rescue. He assured citizens that the state government will continue to support efforts to rid the area of criminal elements. The rescued candidates are expected to reschedule their examinations where necessary.