By Our Correspondent

National News – Suspected gunmen abducted passengers, including candidates of the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, along the Makurdi-Otukpo Road in Benue State on Wednesday night.

The attack occurred around 8 pm when a commercial bus conveying about 18 travellers was intercepted near Otukpo.

The victims, mainly young students heading to sit for their JAMB examination scheduled for Thursday, were reportedly taken into the bush by the attackers.

According to eyewitness accounts, the bus—operated by Benue Links—was en route from Makurdi to Otukpo when the gunmen struck.

Two individuals, including the driver, managed to escape, while others were forcefully taken away.

Authorities later confirmed that at least 14 passengers were kidnapped, with one additional victim escaping shortly after the incident.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ifeanyi Emenari, said security operatives had launched a coordinated rescue mission.

He disclosed that he was personally leading the operation in Otukpo alongside tactical teams and divisional police officers.

Investigations have also begun into the circumstances surrounding the journey, especially allegations that the driver violated company policy by travelling at night.

Similarly, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident and stated that security personnel had been deployed into nearby forests to locate and rescue the victims.

He emphasised that most of those abducted were young candidates determined to write their UTME exams.

The Makurdi-Otukpo axis has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, raising growing concerns over insecurity in the region.

Residents and commuters continue to call for stronger security presence and safer travel conditions, particularly during critical national examinations.