Two UTME Candidates Abducted In Benue Regain Freedom After Escape

According to Ireporter Online, the Benue State Police Command has confirmed that two candidates writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have escaped from their abductors following a kidnap attack on a commercial bus transporting them within the state.

The command further disclosed that security operatives are actively pursuing efforts to secure the release of other victims still held captive.

Naija News reports that about 14 UTME candidates en route to Otukpo for their examination were reportedly kidnapped while traveling through Benue State.

In a statement released on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, it was confirmed that two of the abducted students managed to escape from their captors.

Edet assured that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying operations to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims.

The police also revealed that a coordinated rescue operation has been launched, involving tactical units including the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, aimed at tracking down and apprehending the perpetrators.

As part of the ongoing investigation, one suspect has already been arrested in connection with the incident, although authorities declined to provide further details at this stage.

Preliminary findings indicate that the incident involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BGT 234 S4, belonging to Benue Links Limited.

The police spokesperson explained that the driver allegedly violated operational guidelines by embarking on an unauthorised night trip and also picked up passengers indiscriminately along the route without a proper manifest, contrary to safety regulations.