Governor Hyacinth Alia Petitions JAMB to Arrange Special Testing Dates for Eight Students Rescued from Highway Abduction

Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia appeals to JAMB to set new exam dates for eight students rescued after being kidnapped on their way to a UTME center.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 7:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Channels Television

Executive Intervention for Traumatized Candidates

Governor Hyacinth Alia has taken a decisive step toward protecting the academic futures of eight young Nigerians whose national examinations were interrupted by a violent kidnapping. Speaking from the Government House in Makurdi on Sunday, the Governor appealed directly to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to grant a special dispensation for the victims. Alia emphasized that the state government is prepared to manage all logistical requirements to ensure these students can sit for their exams under stable conditions following their harrowing ordeal in the bush.

Coordinated Security Breakthrough and Rescue

The abduction, which occurred last Wednesday, involved an armed ambush of a Benue Links commercial bus in the Otukpo Local Government Area. Gunmen intercepted the vehicle at the Benue Burnt Bricks area, robbing the travelers before forcing several into a nearby forest. A massive security operation involving coordinated searches across multiple state lines eventually led to the recovery of all 18 victims. While three individuals managed to escape shortly after the initial attack, the remaining 15 were liberated on Sunday through a tactical intervention by security operatives.

Arrest of Suspects in Intelligence Led Operation

The Benue State Commissioner of Police has characterized the successful rescue as a major breakthrough in the regional fight against banditry. During the recovery process, seven suspects were apprehended and are currently in police custody for interrogation. Officials noted that the arrests were the result of intelligence led efforts and localized tracking, marking a significant victory for the state’s law enforcement agencies. The suspects are believed to be part of a larger criminal network targeting commercial transport corridors between major Benue towns.