Abducted passengers not UTME candidates – JAMB clarifies

By Vanessa Onah

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that the seven persons abducted while travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo were not candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

In a statement issued by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, the Board confirmed that all seven victims have been rescued by security agencies.

The clarification follows earlier reports that wrongly identified them as students heading to sit for the UTME.

JAMB explained that the victims were actually participants in an ongoing police recruitment exercise in Makurdi and were returning to Otukpo at the time of the incident.

“This development brings immense relief, as the thought of these individuals remaining in the custody of their captors was deeply distressing,” the statement read, while also expressing hope for the rescue of any remaining victims.

The Board criticised the spread of misinformation linking the incident to its examination schedule, describing such claims as premature and unfounded.

It noted that “none of the victims were UTME candidates,” and stressed that the narrative lacked credibility from the outset.

JAMB further stated that “it is regrettable” that institutions are often blamed without proper verification, adding that some individuals appeared more interested in assigning blame than seeking the truth.

The Board pointed out that UTME candidates are typically assigned to different centres, making it unlikely for a group to travel together for the exam.

“Regardless of their identity or purpose of travel, however, no Nigerian deserves to be subjected to kidnapping,” the statement added, urging citizens to prioritise compassion and unity over speculation.

JAMB concluded by reaffirming its commitment to maintaining global standards in its operations and called for improved national security to prevent such incidents in the future.