Makurdi — Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue State, has called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for eight candidates who were recently abducted in the state.
The candidates were kidnapped last Wednesday along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road while on their way to sit for the examination.
Speaking after their rescue, Alia appealed to JAMB to provide another opportunity for the affected students, noting that their inability to participate in the examination was due to circumstances beyond their control.
On Sunday, troops of the Nigerian Army successfully rescued the remaining victims during an operation in a forest located in Okere Ward.
The governor commended the security forces for their swift intervention and efforts in securing the safe return of the abducted candidates.
He emphasised the need to support the students academically following their ordeal and urged examination authorities to act compassionately in ensuring they are not disadvantaged.
