A group of students travelling to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has been abducted following a roadside attack in Benue State, raising fresh alarm over safety concerns in the region.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in Otukpo Local Government Area when armed men intercepted a passenger bus operated by Benue Links.
The victims, mostly young candidates heading to write their examinations, were reportedly forced out of the vehicle and taken into nearby bush paths after the attackers dispossessed them of their valuables.
Initial accounts suggested that up to 17 passengers were taken. However, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, later clarified that 14 individuals were confirmed missing, while one passenger escaped during the chaos.
Two individuals, including the driver, were able to avoid being captured.
Officials say the journey took place after official transport hours, a move that may have exposed the passengers to risk. The management of the transport company confirmed that the driver allegedly ignored an existing restriction on night travel and is currently under investigation.
Local authorities have reacted swiftly. The Chairman of Otukpo LGA confirmed that security personnel have been deployed into surrounding forest areas to track the attackers and secure the victims’ release.
Police authorities also confirmed that a coordinated rescue operation is underway, with senior officers leading efforts on ground to locate the abducted passengers.
Security agencies are now examining the full circumstances surrounding the trip, particularly the decision to operate outside approved travel times.
The attack comes at a critical period when thousands of candidates are moving across states to participate in the nationwide UTME exercise, further intensifying concerns about transportation safety and security coordination.
Residents and families of the victims are anxiously awaiting updates as efforts continue to bring those abducted back safely.
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