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Bandits Abduct UTME Candidates, Other Passengers on Makurdi–Otukpo Road
Suspected bandits have abducted passengers, including candidates for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night when a bus belonging to Benue Links Nigeria Limited was attacked while travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo.
Attack on UTME Candidates
According to sources, the bus, carrying about 18 passengers mostly young people heading to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination was intercepted near Otukpo at about 8 p.m.
Armed assailants reportedly forced the vehicle to a stop and took most of the passengers into the surrounding bush.
A source familiar with the incident said two individuals—the driver and one passenger—managed to escape.
“The passengers were mainly young men and women travelling to write the JAMB examination scheduled for today,” the source said.
Police Confirm 14 Abducted
Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, said 14 passengers were abducted during the attack.
He noted that security operatives had launched a search-and-rescue operation in the area.
“I am in Otukpo now with my team and divisional police officers. We are in the bush heading the operation. Fourteen passengers were kidnapped, but one person escaped,” the police chief said.
Investigation Underway
Emenari also disclosed that investigations had commenced into the circumstances surrounding the journey, particularly the timing of the trip.
According to him, Benue Links Nigeria Limited maintains a policy against night travel, but the driver allegedly picked up passengers outside official operating hours.
Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
Growing Security Concerns
The incident adds to rising security concerns along major highways in parts of Nigeria, where travellers—particularly in rural corridors—have increasingly become targets of armed groups.
The abduction of students heading for a national examination has further heightened public anxiety, with calls for improved security along critical transit routes.
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