Two abducted UTME candidates escape from kidnappers
Two UTME Candidates Escape from Abduction in Benue State
BENUE STATE — The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that two candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), who were abducted while traveling in a commercial bus, have successfully escaped from their captors.
The police are actively working to rescue the remaining victims, who were among a group of approximately 14 individuals kidnapped while en route to Otukpo for the examination.
According to a statement released on Friday by Police Public Relations Officer Udeme Edet, the vehicle involved in the incident was a Toyota Hiace bus with the registration number BGT 234 S4, owned by Benue Links Limited.
Police have apprehended one suspect linked to the kidnapping. Edet indicated that the bus driver violated company policy by undertaking an unauthorized late-night journey and picked up passengers along the route without issuing a formal manifest, which breaches standard operating procedures.
“The Command has deployed several tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and is collaborating with other agencies to locate the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims,” the statement read.
