In an update published by **Channels TV**, several candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and other travellers were kidnapped in a fresh attack in Benue State. The incident occurred as the victims were transit between local government areas, highlighting the persistent security risks facing students and commuters.
Local authorities confirmed that while one victim managed to escape, several others remain in the hands of the captors. Security forces have been deployed to the area to track the kidnappers, but the incident has already sparked fear among parents of students currently participating in national examinations.
The abduction was validated by **The Nation**, which reported that “Lagos and other states have deployed extra personnel to secure UTME centres,” while **Vanguard** noted that “security agencies are under pressure to rescue the Benue victims.”
**Echotitbits take:** The timing of this attack during a national exam period is particularly cruel. It underscores the need for “student corridors”—secured routes for candidates—during peak examination seasons in high-risk zones.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/gunmen-abduct-utme-candidates-others-in-benue/, April 17, 2026
Photo credit: The Punch
