𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬: 𝗝𝗔𝗠𝗕 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗔𝗯𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝘆 𝗚𝘂𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

16𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗹, 2026.

Candidates sitting for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), have been abducted by gunmen along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State.

The victims were reportedly travelling in a commercial bus operated by Benue Links from Makurdi to Otukpo when the attackers struck on Wednesday night.

Sources familiar with the incident said the vehicle, which was conveying about 18 passengers, many of them young UTME candidates, was ambushed around 8:00 p.m. near Otukpo. The gunmen allegedly intercepted the bus and forced most of the occupants into the surrounding bush.

Confirming the incident, the police stated that 14 persons were abducted during the attack. Security operatives have since launched efforts to track down the assailants and secure the release of the victims.

The attack has raised fresh concerns over the safety of travellers along the Makurdi–Otukpo axis, a route that has witnessed repeated security challenges in recent times.

Authorities are yet to provide further details on the identities of the victims or the progress of rescue operations.