Two abducted UTME candidates escape as Police intensify rescue efforts in Benue
Two victims kidnapped from a commercial bus conveying candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Benue State have escaped from their captors, authorities confirmed on Friday, as security agencies ramp up efforts to rescue others still in captivity.
The Benue State Police Command said about 14 passengers were abducted earlier this week while travelling to Otukpo for their examination. Police spokesperson Udeme Edet disclosed that the victims were taken after gunmen intercepted the vehicle along the Benue Burnt Bricks axis in Otukpo Local Government Area on Wednesday evening, reports Channels TV.
According to police findings, the bus involved was a Toyota Hiace with registration number BGT 234 S4, принадлежащий Benue Links Limited. One suspect has so far been arrested in connection with the abduction.
Edet revealed that the driver violated company policy by embarking on an unauthorised late-night trip and picking up passengers indiscriminately without issuing a proper manifest, complicating efforts to accurately determine the number and identity of those on board.
Initial reports suggesting that all the passengers were UTME candidates have also been corrected, with authorities clarifying that not everyone in the vehicle was travelling for the examination.
Security operatives, including the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, have launched a coordinated operation alongside other agencies to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the remaining victims.
“The Command has deployed several tactical teams and is working with sister agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims,” the statement said.
An eyewitness recounted that the attackers ambushed the bus around 8:00 p.m., robbing passengers before forcing them into the bush. The vehicle was reportedly carrying about 18 passengers, many of them young people heading to sit for their exams.
Meanwhile, the General Manager of Benue Links, Alexander Fanafa, confirmed that the driver is currently under police interrogation for breaching the company’s directive prohibiting journeys beyond 6:00 p.m.
He noted that the driver departed after official park hours and picked up passengers without authorisation, a move that exposed them to danger.
Also confirming the incident, the Executive Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, said the attack occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with assurances that those behind the attack will be apprehended and brought to justice.
