Kidnapped UTME candidates, others regain freedom in Benue

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has confirmed the safe rescue of 15 kidnapped passengers in the state.

Alia stated this on Sunday, during a joint briefing with the Ommolice Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari, at Government House, Makurdi.
The victims were abducted on April 15, along the Taraku – Otukpo road but were rescued unharmed.

The governor explained that initially 17 people were kidnapped, but two people escaped separately, leaving 15 people who were eventually rescued.

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Among the victims were eight candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Alia urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to make special arrangements for affected candidates to appear for the examination.

He assured that the state government would fully support the process.

The governor also directed that the victims receive free health services and assigned the Ministry of Education to support their academic continuity.