Governor Appeals to JAMB for Rescued Students

By Babatunji Wusu –

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has made a heartfelt plea to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board following a dramatic rescue operation. He is asking for special exam arrangements for several students who missed their UTME exams while held in captivity. Security forces successfully rescued 15 people, including eight candidates, after they were kidnapped while travelling on the Makurdi-Otukpo Road on 15th April.

The victims were passengers on a state-owned Benue Links bus when armed bandits intercepted them. After four days of intense pressure from a joint task force, all captives have finally regained their freedom. Police Commissioner Emenari Ifeanyi confirmed that the rescue involved a coordinated effort between the police, military, and local vigilantes. During the operation, security teams arrested seven suspects, who are now in custody as investigations continue to find their accomplices.

While receiving the survivors at the Government House in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia praised the bravery of the security agencies. He noted that although initial reports suggested no students were involved, his administration confirmed that eight victims were indeed travelling to sit for their UTME exams. The Governor has now directed the State Ministry of Health to provide full medical care for the rescued group at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.

The Governor remains firm in his stance against crime, promising to flush out all bandits from their hideouts. He emphasised that Benue must remain a peaceful state and urged local residents to keep sharing vital information with the police. By reaching out to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the Governor hopes to ensure that these young students do not lose their chance at a university education due to this traumatic event. This UTME exam rescue highlight’s the government’s dedication to both safety and education.

Will JAMB grant these students a second chance to sit their exams after such a difficult ordeal?