The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that those abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road were not candidates heading for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), contrary to circulating reports.
In a statement released by its Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, the board said its checks confirmed that none of the victims were registered for the examination.
JAMB explained that the individuals involved were participants in an ongoing police recruitment exercise who had travelled to Makurdi and were returning to Otukpo when they were attacked.
The board’s response follows the rescue of seven victims by security operatives, with efforts still underway to secure the release of others.
Reacting to the situation, JAMB criticised the spread of unverified claims linking the incident to its examination, describing the narrative as misleading.
“It is regrettable that government institutions, particularly JAMB, are often unfairly maligned in situations like this without proper verification.”
The examination body also noted that the claim was flawed from the start, pointing out that UTME candidates are usually posted to different centres and do not move in groups to sit for the test.
JAMB called on those responsible for spreading the misinformation to tender apologies, stressing that such unfounded allegations damage its image.
While distancing itself from the incident, the board maintained that no individual deserves to be kidnapped, regardless of their mission.
