We Were Beaten, Forced To Drink Dirty Water’ – Abducted JAMB Candidates Speak

According to Ireporter Online, rescued victims of last Wednesday’s Benue Links abduction, including candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), have recounted their harrowing experiences while in captivity, describing days marked by hunger, physical abuse, and inhumane conditions.

The victims were abducted along the Taraku–Otukpo road in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State while travelling for different purposes, including participation in the UTME examination. They were eventually freed on Sunday after spending about four days in captivity, following sustained security operations and pressure from authorities.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, who received the freed victims at the Government House in Makurdi, confirmed that eight of those rescued were UTME candidates, while others were ordinary commuters.

One of the victims, 18-year-old Gbenda Daniels, disclosed that the abductors dispossessed him of his money and subjected the captives to harsh treatment. He said they were denied food and only given unsafe drinking water during their ordeal.

Another victim, Ngukulan Iornav, also a UTME candidate, revealed that the abductors fed them sparingly, stating that they were given garri mixed with salt and were repeatedly beaten.

A medical student of the University of Maiduguri, Orih Raphael Sylvester, explained that the victims were moved from one part of the forest to another to avoid detection. He further stated that they went without food on the first day, survived on contaminated water on the second day, and were later forced to contact their families while being assaulted on the third day.

He added that pressure for ransom intensified on the fourth day before the abductors eventually directed them toward safety as security forces closed in.

Another victim, Sunday Augustine of the Federal University of Lafia, confirmed that he sustained injuries during the incident, while Akor Jessica described the experience as deeply traumatic, noting that they were beaten with sticks and machetes while en route to write their examinations.

Meanwhile, a family member of two of the victims, Ochadgwuba Alexander, disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦10 million per victim. He stated that he personally delivered ₦3.4 million along with supplies to the abductors in the forest before the eventual release of the victims. He further confirmed that security operatives later assisted in evacuating the freed individuals.

The incident has continued to raise concerns over security along major routes in Benue State, especially those frequently used by students and commuters.