Alia seeks exam shift as rescued UTME candidates narrate ordeal
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the examination for eight UTME candidates who were among those recently kidnapped.
- Fifteen passengers, including the eight students, were abducted from a Benue Links bus last Wednesday night; 13 have since been rescued by security agents.
- One rescued candidate recounted the abductors' threat to kill them if a N10 million ransom was not paid, while the governor praised security agencies for their diligence.
In Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has demonstrated compassionate leadership by appealing to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for eight young students who endured the harrowing ordeal of kidnapping. These students, victims of circumstance, were traveling to Otukpo to sit for their crucial examinations when they were abducted along with other passengers from a Benue Links bus.
Many of the students were travelling to Otukpo. Seven were regular passengers; 15 were kidnapped that fateful day. One of the victims escaped, and another escaped the following day.
The governor's intervention highlights the state's commitment to ensuring that these young minds are not further disadvantaged by the criminal elements that plague our roads. The rescue of 13 of the 15 abducted victims by diligent security agents, with the invaluable cooperation of local communities, is a testament to the effectiveness of our security apparatus when properly supported. Governor Alia has rightly directed that the rescued students receive immediate medical attention before being reunited with their families.
Today, all the remaining 13 kidnapped victims have been rescued by security agents with the cooperation of the communities. I call on JAMB to look into the case of the eight young students and reschedule dates for them to write their examination.
One of the rescued candidates, Jessica Akor, bravely recounted the terrifying experience, revealing the abductors' demand for a N10 million ransom and their threats of violence. This narrative underscores the brutal reality faced by our citizens and the urgent need for continued efforts to flush out criminal elements from ungoverned spaces. Governor Alia's commendation of the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies reflects our state's appreciation for their efforts, while also urging them to intensify operations to ensure that our people can live in peace and pursue their educational aspirations without fear.
Our people deserve to live in peace.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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