Gunmen Abduct JAMB Candidates in Benue Attack

Gunmen have abducted 14 passengers, many of them candidates for the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue State.

The victims were travelling in a Benue Links bus from Makurdi to Otukpo when suspected bandits intercepted the vehicle on Wednesday night. NaijaChoice News gathered that the attack happened around 8pm near Otukpo, with the gunmen forcing most occupants into the bush.

The passengers were mainly young people heading to write their JAMB exams scheduled for Thursday. Two persons, including the driver and one passenger, managed to escape.

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed that 14 passengers were taken while one escaped. He said he was already in Otukpo coordinating rescue operations as security teams search the bush.

Investigations have begun to establish how the journey turned into a nightmare. Emenari assured that every effort is being made to free the victims unharmed.

Otukpo Local Government Area Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the incident. He disclosed that security operatives have been deployed to the area for immediate rescue efforts.

The Makurdi-Otukpo road has faced repeated attacks in recent months, leaving travellers, especially students, vulnerable. This latest incident comes as Benue continues to grapple with banditry and other security threats in the North-Central region.

The development has sparked fresh concerns over the safety of candidates during the critical JAMB period. Many families in Benue are now anxious, praying for the safe return of their children who were simply pursuing higher education.