Gunmen Abduct 14 JAMB Candidates in Benue Bus Attack on Makurdi–Otukpo Road

By Angel Nwaozuzu

Gunmen have abducted several passengers, including candidates for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State.

The victims were traveling in a Benue Links bus from Makurdi to Otukpo when attackers struck on Wednesday night.

A source, speaking anonymously, said the bus with about 18 passengers was intercepted near Otukpo around 8 p.m. Suspected bandits took most occupants into the bush; two—the driver and one passenger—escaped.
Most victims were young people heading to Otukpo for Thursday’s JAMB exam.

Benue State Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari confirmed 14 abductions, with one escapee. He is coordinating rescue efforts in Otukpo with deployed security operatives.

Emenari noted the Benue Links bus was attacked by hoodlums en route to Otukpo, and the command is investigating why the driver picked up passengers after official hours despite the company’s no-night-travel policy. He assured ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release.

Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri also confirmed the incident, stating that security teams have entered the forest for rescues.

He highlighted that victims were mainly young boys and girls traveling for the JAMB exam.

Passengers on the Makurdi–Otukpo road have faced repeated gunmen attacks in recent months.