Alia Seeks UTME Reschedule For Kidnapped Victims
In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to reschedule the UTME for students affected by a recent kidnapping.
The appeal followed the rescue of victims who had been abducted while travelling for the exam. The governor said the students should not suffer setbacks due to the incident. The request was made in Makurdi on Sunday.
Alia explained that the victims were among passengers attacked along the Taraku–Otukpo route. Security operatives later rescued 13 of them after days in captivity.
Some of the victims were candidates heading to write the examination. The governor described them as victims of circumstance.
He directed that the rescued individuals receive medical care before returning to their families.
The state also confirmed arrests linked to the incident. Authorities said investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to curb kidnappings in the area.
The governor praised security agencies and local communities for their role.
The call for rescheduling comes amid disagreement over the status of the affected candidates. While JAMB earlier said none of its candidates were involved, relatives have challenged that claim.
The situation now puts pressure on the examination body to review the case. Attention shifts to whether the board will grant the request.
