By admin
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that individuals recently kidnapped while travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo were not candidates sitting for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), as earlier reported.
In a statement signed by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board said the victims were participants in an ongoing police recruitment exercise who had travelled to Makurdi and were returning to Otukpo when the incident occurred.
Benjamin noted that security agencies have successfully rescued seven of the abducted persons, describing the development as a demonstration of the agencies’ efficiency and commitment to safeguarding citizens.
He expressed relief over the rescue while praying for the safe return of the remaining victims still in captivity.
According to him, the initial reports that the victims were UTME candidates heading to write the examination were inaccurate and misleading.
“It is regrettable that, in moments like this, there is a tendency to hastily malign government institutions, particularly the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, without proper verification of facts,” Benjamin said.
He added that some individuals attempted to link the kidnapping incident to JAMB’s examination schedule despite what he described as “clear inconsistencies” in the narrative.
Benjamin further stressed that the structure of the UTME examination makes it unlikely for candidates who know each other to be assigned to the same centre or travel together for the exam, noting that the widely circulated account lacked credibility from the onset.
The JAMB spokesperson urged the public and media practitioners to verify information before drawing conclusions or attributing blame to institutions.
“Supporting our institutions in their efforts to deliver on their mandates is far more constructive than undermining them based on unverified claims,” he stated.
Benjamin also emphasized that regardless of the identity or purpose of travel of the victims, no Nigerian deserves to be subjected to kidnapping, calling for collective concern and compassion over such incidents.
He reaffirmed JAMB’s commitment to implementing progressive and development-driven policies aimed at elevating its operations to global standards.
The Board, he said, would not be deterred by unfounded criticism or attempts to undermine its efforts.
The communication Advisor expressed hope that Nigeria’s security architecture would continue to improve to prevent citizens from falling victim to criminal acts.
