How gunmen abducted JAMB candidates in Benue, survivor recounts daring escape
A survivor of the abduction of passengers—including candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam—along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State has narrated how he escaped from armed kidnappers after hours in captivity.
The attack, which occurred on the evening of April 15, 2026, has thrown families into panic and triggered an intensive rescue operation by the Nigeria Police Force, reports Daily Sun.
Journey Turns Nightmare
What began as a routine trip quickly turned tragic when an 18-seater bus operated by Benue Links Nigeria Limited left Makurdi around 7:00 p.m., carrying mostly young passengers heading to Otukpo for their exams.
At about 8:00 p.m., near Taraku, gunmen ambushed the vehicle.
“They were holding AK-47s and long knives. They ordered everybody to come down,” the survivor, identified as Francis, said in a viral video.
Passengers were beaten, robbed, and forced into the bush. The attackers reportedly spoke English to victims but switched to Hausa among themselves.
Inside the Kidnappers’ Den
Francis recounted that the abductors marched them deep into the forest, confiscating valuables and interrogating each victim.
“They collected everything—my ₦21,000 and my phone. When my phone rang, one of them slapped me and took it,” he said.
Victims, including elderly passengers, were reportedly assaulted as the kidnappers demanded information about their identities and destinations.
Many of those abducted were students heading to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.
The Escape
As the group was being moved further into the bush under cover of darkness, Francis saw an opportunity.
Noticing the kidnappers avoided using flashlights to prevent detection near nearby communities, he quietly slipped out of the line and hid in the darkness.
“I just left the line and hid behind leaves. They passed me… then I ran,” he said.
He ran for hours through the night, eventually reaching safety around 4:00 a.m. near Otukpo Nobi, where early risers helped him.
Victims Still in Captivity
Despite his escape, Francis expressed deep concern for the others still held.
“Even the old man and woman—they were beating them. My worry was nobody even knew we were kidnapped,” he said.
Authorities confirmed that 13 victims remain in captivity.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said multiple tactical teams—including anti-kidnapping units and intelligence operatives—have been deployed.
“We are on top of the situation… we will not leave until the last victim is rescued,” he assured.
Driver Violated Safety Rules
Management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited confirmed the trip was unauthorised and violated a directive banning travel after 6:00 p.m.
General Manager Alexander Fanafa said the driver took the vehicle without approval, failed to document passengers, and is now in police custody.
Governor Condemns Attack
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the incident, describing it as “cowardly and unacceptable,” especially as it targeted students.
“We will take decisive actions to protect lives and property,” he said, assuring families that efforts are ongoing to secure the victims’ release.
Security operations remain ongoing as authorities race against time to rescue the remaining abducted passengers and bring the perpetrators to justice.
