Armed assailants intercepted a commercial bus belonging to Benue Links along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue State on Wednesday evening, abducting 14 passengers, many of whom were candidates heading to examination centers for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. The incident occurred around 7 to 8 p.m. near Otukpo town, as the victims, mostly young men and women, traveled in an 18-seater vehicle from Makurdi toward their test locations scheduled for the following day.

According to local sources, the gunmen stopped the bus on the highway and forced the passengers into a nearby bush, marching them away from the road. The victims included students anxious to sit for their exams, highlighting the growing security challenges in the region during a critical academic period. One passenger managed to escape from the attackers, while reports indicate that the driver and at least one other individual also avoided capture.

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of exactly 14 passengers. Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari stated that hoodlums attacked the bus carrying people to Otukpo, resulting in the kidnapping, but quick efforts are underway to locate and rescue the victims. Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also verified the event, noting that the affected individuals were primarily youths traveling for the examination. Security operatives have been mobilized to comb the area and ensure the safe return of those taken.

This development comes amid the nationwide conduct of the UTME, raising concerns about the safety of students and travelers on major routes in Benue State. Authorities continue to appeal for calm while intensifying search operations in the surrounding forests.