Reschedule Exam For Eight Rescued Kidnap Victims, Alia Urges JAMB

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for eight candidates who were among the victims rescued from the recent Benue Links kidnapping incident.

The governor made the appeal following the successful rescue of the abducted passengers who were taken by gunmen along the Makurdi–Otukpo road while travelling in a Benue Links bus. Among the victims were students heading to sit for the ongoing 2026 UTME.

Governor Alia said the traumatic experience and the time spent in captivity prevented the candidates from sitting for their scheduled examination, stressing that they should not be made to suffer academically for circumstances beyond their control.

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He called on JAMB to show compassion and provide the affected students with another opportunity to write the examination, noting that education remains a critical part of their future and should not be disrupted by criminal activities.

The governor also commended security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the kidnapped victims and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

The rescued victims were reportedly brought to Makurdi and presented after security operatives completed coordinated rescue operations in the forest where they were held captive.