The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that two candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), who were abducted while travelling in a commercial bus, have escaped from their captors.
Police say efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims. Reports indicate that about 14 candidates en route to Otukpo for the exam were kidnapped in Benue State.
In a statement released on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer Udeme Edet said the vehicle involved was a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BGT 234 S4, owned by Benue Links Limited.
Authorities confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident. Preliminary findings suggest the driver violated company policy by undertaking an unauthorized late-night trip.
Edet further disclosed that the driver picked up passengers indiscriminately along the route without issuing a formal manifest, breaching standard safety procedures.
“The Command has deployed several tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and is collaborating with other security agencies to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims,” the statement added.
