Initial reports linking a recent abduction in Benue State to candidates of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination have been debunked by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which says the victims had no connection to its examination process.
The victims were taken by gunmen along the Makurdi–Otukpo road while travelling in a commercial vehicle, an attack that sparked concern amid the ongoing examination period.
In a fresh clarification,JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, said the claim that those abducted were UTME candidates was entirely false and stemmed from unverified reports that quickly gained traction.
He clarified that the individuals were part of a police recruitment exercise and were on their way back to Otukpo when the incident occurred, not heading for any examination centre.
The board warned against the dangers of spreading unchecked information, noting that the false narrative led to misplaced criticism and confusion around its operations.
It added that UTME candidates are typically assigned to different centres, making it highly unlikely for them to travel together in large numbers as earlier suggested.
The Benue State Police Command also backed the clarification, confirming that the victims were regular passengers and not linked to the examination in any way.
Meanwhile, security agencies have intensified rescue efforts, with some victims already freed, as operations continue to secure the release of those still being held.
Authorities say operations are ongoing, with assurances that efforts remain focused on securing the safe return of all those still in captivity while investigations into the attack continue.
