The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that two candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have escaped from kidnappers after a commercial bus conveying them was attacked in the state.
The command also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to rescue other victims still in captivity.
NOP NIGERIA reports that about 14 candidates travelling to Otukpo to write the UTME were reportedly abducted while on transit in Benue State.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, confirmed the development, noting that two of the abducted students had successfully escaped from their captors.
Edet assured that security operatives were working tirelessly to ensure that the remaining victims regain their freedom.
Police launch rescue operation
The police revealed that a coordinated operation involving multiple security units had been activated to track down the kidnappers.
“The Command has deployed several tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and is working with other sister agencies to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims,” the statement said.
As part of ongoing investigations, the command confirmed that one suspect had been apprehended in connection with the incident.
The police, however, did not disclose further details about the suspect but maintained that investigations were ongoing.
Providing insight into the circumstances surrounding the abduction, the police spokesperson disclosed that the incident involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BGT 234 S4 belonging to Benue Links Limited.
According to Edet, the driver violated established company protocols by embarking on an unauthorised late-night journey.
She further revealed that the driver picked up passengers indiscriminately along the route without issuing a formal manifest, an act that contravenes standard operating procedures.
