Gunmen Abduct 15 JAMB Candidates in Benue State, Driver Violated Night Travel Ban
In a distressing security breach, armed gunmen have abducted 15 passengers, predominantly candidates scheduled to sit for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, in Benue State. The General Manager of Benue Links transport company, Dr. Alexander Fanafa, has officially confirmed this alarming incident, which transpired on Wednesday night at Ikubi in the Otukpo local government area.
Details of the Kidnapping Incident
The abduction occurred when a Benue Links bus was transporting students from Makurdi to Otukpo, where they were due to take the JAMB exam the following day. According to Dr. Fanafa, the driver of the 18-seater bus and a few passengers managed to escape, but the kidnappers successfully took away 15 individuals. The driver is currently in police custody for flouting the company's strict regulations by undertaking a trip after dark.
Dr. Fanafa emphasized that there is a subsisting order prohibiting any company vehicles from embarking on journeys after 6 p.m., due to the prevailing security situation in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State. He explained that the JAMB candidates were desperate to reach Otukpo that night to ensure they could sit for their exam, prompting the driver to act covertly.
Violation of Company Protocols and Lack of Documentation
The driver reportedly took his vehicle outside the company's premises without management knowledge, loaded the students, and commenced the journey. Since this trip did not follow due process, it was not documented by Benue Links, leaving the company without detailed information about the kidnapped victims, aside from the fact that most were JAMB candidates.
This lack of documentation complicates rescue efforts and underscores the risks associated with unauthorized travel during insecure times. Dr. Fanafa lamented the situation, noting that the abducted candidates have now missed their exams, and JAMB does not reschedule such cases, forcing them to potentially miss an entire academic session even if rescued.
Call for JAMB to Adapt to Security Realities
In response to this crisis, the Benue Links GM advised that JAMB should consider allowing candidates to write exams within their localities to mitigate travel risks. He highlighted that many candidates are minors and exposed to dangers when traveling long distances. "The most painful aspect is that they have missed their exams, and JAMB doesn't reschedule. Now the kids would be forced to miss a whole session even if they are rescued, which by God's grace, they will. I feel terrible that this whole thing is caused by our driver; how will the parents be feeling now?" he expressed with deep concern.
This incident sheds light on the broader security challenges in Benue State and Nigeria, where kidnapping and banditry continue to disrupt daily life and educational pursuits. It calls for urgent measures to protect students and ensure safe access to examination centers, especially in high-risk regions.
