Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination for eight candidates who were recently rescued after being kidnapped.
The governor made the appeal in Makurdi while receiving some of the victims freed from captivity following a security operation. He stressed that the affected candidates should not be denied the opportunity to sit for the examination due to circumstances beyond their control.
The victims were reportedly abducted last week when gunmen attacked a commercial vehicle along the Makurdi–Otukpo road. Several passengers were taken during the incident, although a few managed to escape shortly after the attack.
Security operatives later rescued the remaining victims during a coordinated operation. The governor commended the efforts of security agencies involved, noting that arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Alia also directed that the rescued individuals receive medical attention and support before being reunited with their families, acknowledging the physical and emotional impact of their ordeal.
The incident has again highlighted security concerns along major routes in Benue State, where cases of abduction have persisted. The governor reiterated the need for sustained efforts to improve safety and protect residents and travellers across the state.