By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Gunmen have reportedly abducted 14 passengers, the majority of whom are Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates, in Benue State. 

The incident occurred as the victims were traveling to their examination centers, highlighting the increasing security challenges faced by students and commuters in the region.

The abduction took place along the Makurdi-Otukpo road, a major highway that has recently seen a spike in criminal activities.

Witnesses reported that the gunmen intercepted the state owned vehicle (Benue links) , and forced the occupants into a nearby forest at gunpoint, leaving the vehicle abandoned by the roadside.

Among the 14 victims, at least 10 have been identified as students who were scheduled to sit for the 2024 UTME organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The news has sparked widespread concern among parents and educational stakeholders about the safety of candidates during the examination period.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that tactical teams have been deployed to the area to track down the kidnappers. Police spokesperson Catherine Anene assured the public that the authorities are doing everything possible to ensure the safe rescue of all the abducted passengers.

Local sources indicate that the kidnappers have not yet made any contact with the families of the victims to demand a ransom. This silence has added to the anxiety of the affected families, who are calling on the state and federal governments to intervene urgently to secure their children’s release.

Security experts have raised the alarm over the targeting of students, noting that such incidents could discourage young people from pursuing their education in volatile areas. They are urging the government to provide special security escorts or protected corridors for students traveling for national examinations.

As of the latest update, the forest surrounding the scene of the abduction is being combed by a joint team of police, military, and local vigilante groups. The community remains on edge as they await news on the fate of the 14 travelers, hoping for a swift and bloodless resolution to the crisis.