Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has confirmed the safe rescue of 15 abducted passengers in the state.
Alia disclosed this on Sunday at a joint briefing with Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari at the Government House, Makurdi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victims were kidnapped on April 15, 2026 along the Taraku-Otukpo Road but were rescued unharmed.
The governor explained that 17 persons were initially abducted, but two escaped separately, leaving 15 who were eventually rescued.
Among the victims were eight candidates going to the sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Alia urged JAMB to make special arrangements for the affected candidates to sit their examinations.
He assured that the state government would support the process fully.
The governor also directed that the victims receive free medical care and tasked the Ministry of Education with supporting their academic continuity.
Reaffirming the state’s position, Alia said: “Benue remains peaceful, and criminal elements will not be tolerated.”
He commended security agencies for their role in securing the victims’ release.
Earlier, Emenari said eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction.
He noted that credible evidence linked seven suspects to the crime and other kidnappings in the area.
The CP attributed the rescue to a coordinated security operation and acknowledged support from the Inspector-General of Police and the state government.
