MAKURDI, Nigeria: Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Sunday, April 19, 2026, to reschedule the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination for eight candidates rescued after being kidnapped on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, while traveling to the test.
Okay News reports that Alia received the 13 rescued kidnap victims during the early hours of Sunday, April 19, 2026, WAT (GMT+1) at the old banquet hall of the Government House in Makurdi.
The governor stated the kidnapped candidates were victims of circumstance who must not be neglected by the examination board following their rescue.
One of the rescued candidates, Agatha Ternamdoo, said they were beaten and threatened for three days, demanding Ten million Naira (approximately 7,442 USD) ransom from each of their parents.
During the reception, the governor expressed sympathy to the people of Gwer West regarding a separate attack on Friday, April 17, 2026, and directed security heads to ensure the perpetrators are apprehended.
Benue State Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari said eight bandits are in custody in connection with the abduction.
