A wave of confusion and conflicting narratives trailed last week’s abduction of passengers along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road, as authorities and eyewitness accounts offered differing versions of who exactly was caught in the harrowing घटना.
The Benue State Police Command and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had, on Saturday, firmly dismissed widespread claims that the victims were students travelling to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Both institutions described such reports as “false and misleading,” cautioning against the dangers of misinformation during sensitive security situations.
Police spokesperson Edet Udeme clarified that the abducted individuals were not part of any organised convoy of examination candidates but were passengers aboard a commercial vehicle heading towards Makurdi. In a similar vein, JAMB’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, stated that the victims were participants in a police recruitment exercise returning to Otukpo, rather than students en route to an examination centre.
Benjamin criticised what he described as a growing tendency to hastily blame public institutions without verifying facts, noting that UTME candidates are typically assigned to centres individually—making coordinated group travel unlikely.
Yet, even as officials urged restraint, voices from within the community painted a different picture.
A relative of one of the victims, speaking anonymously in Makurdi, challenged JAMB’s position, calling it “disturbing and dismissive.” According to him, many passengers aboard the ill-fated Benue Links bus were indeed prospective UTME candidates.
“My nephew was on that bus heading for his examination in Otukpo,” he said. “Most of the passengers were candidates. That’s why they travelled late – they had exams early the next morning.”
The incident itself occurred on Wednesday night at about 8 p.m., when gunmen suspected to be kidnappers ambushed the state-owned Benue Links bus, abducting multiple passengers. Initial reports indicated that 15 individuals were taken.
Security forces launched a coordinated rescue operation across Amla Forest and surrounding areas, yielding gradual success. By Friday, five victims had regained their freedom. As of Sunday morning, however, authorities confirmed a breakthrough: the rescue of the remaining 13 passengers.
Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari, in a brief message to reporters, expressed relief at the development. “To God be the glory,” he wrote, adding that the rescued individuals would soon arrive in Makurdi for a press briefing.
Police further disclosed that seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident, while rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention.
Despite the dispute over the victims’ identities, both the police and JAMB struck a common note on the gravity of the घटना. “Regardless of their identity or purpose of travel, no Nigerian deserves to be subjected to kidnapping,” Benjamin emphasised, urging unity and compassion.
Authorities also reiterated a warning on the spread of unverified information, stressing that misinformation could hinder rescue operations, fuel panic, and erode public trust.
Meanwhile, the management of Benue Links Limited confirmed the attack and noted that the driver of the bus is in police custody as part of ongoing investigations.
As the rescued passengers prepare to reunite with their families, the incident leaves behind pressing questions – not only about security along one of Benue’s busiest routes, but also about the fragile line between fact and speculation in moments of crisis.
