Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A group of young Nigerians travelling to sit for a crucial national examination have recounted a harrowing ordeal of violence, hunger and fear after being abducted by armed men in Benue State, highlighting the growing insecurity affecting civilians across the country.
The victims, including candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), were kidnapped on April 15, 2026, when gunmen attacked a passenger vehicle along the Taraku–Otukpo road in Otukpo Local Government Area. The bus, operated by Benue Links, was conveying passengers, many of them students heading to sit for their university entrance examination, when the attack occurred in the evening.
Survivors said the incident unfolded suddenly as the vehicle approached a vulnerable stretch of road. Armed men reportedly blocked the highway, forced the passengers to disembark at gunpoint, and immediately began assaulting them. They were beaten, stripped of their valuables and herded into nearby bush paths under heavy threat from the attackers, who were armed with rifles and machetes.
One of the victims described the moment the gunmen seized control, saying passengers were ordered to lie face down before being marched into the forest. The captors reportedly moved quickly, dispersing the group into smaller units to prevent escape and to maintain control over them as they ventured deeper into remote terrain.
Security agencies launched a search operation shortly after the incident was reported, though initial details about the number of abducted passengers varied. Estimates ranged between 14 and 17 victims, reflecting the confusion that followed the attack and the difficulty of tracking movements in the forested area.
Over the next four days, some victims managed to escape while others were rescued during coordinated operations. By the time authorities confirmed the situation on Sunday, at least eight of those freed were identified as UTME candidates, many of whom appeared physically weak and emotionally distressed.
Their accounts of captivity paint a grim picture of life in the hands of their abductors. Victims said they were repeatedly beaten and subjected to intimidation while ransom demands were made to their families. Food was scarce and inadequate, with many reporting that they survived on little more than garri mixed with salt.
“We were beaten and given only garri and salt,” one of the rescued candidates said. Others added that they were sometimes forced to drink dirty water from unsafe sources in the forest to stay alive. The lack of proper nourishment left many of them weak, dehydrated and unable to move easily.
Several victims described going for long hours, and sometimes days, without food. Those who attempted to complain or showed signs of resistance were threatened with severe punishment. The psychological toll was as intense as the physical suffering, with captives constantly fearing for their lives.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded large ransom payments, contacting families and placing them under pressure to raise money quickly. In at least one case, a family was said to have paid millions of naira alongside additional items before securing the release of their relative. Negotiations were described as tense and unpredictable, with victims uncertain whether they would survive if payments were delayed.
One young victim recounted being robbed of the small amount of money he carried before being beaten repeatedly. Another described how the captors issued threats to kill anyone who attempted to escape or failed to cooperate. The atmosphere in the camp was marked by fear and strict control, with captives constantly monitored.
Despite these conditions, some individuals managed to escape through risky efforts. One survivor said he seized an opportunity when the group was being moved, slipping away into the bush and running for hours through unfamiliar terrain before eventually finding help. His escape highlighted both the desperation of the victims and the challenges of navigating dense forest areas without guidance.
The incident has drawn national concern, particularly because it involved students on their way to sit for a critical examination that determines admission into tertiary institutions. Missing the UTME can significantly disrupt academic plans, and there have been calls for authorities to provide special consideration for those affected.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as deeply troubling, especially given that the victims were young people pursuing education. He called for intensified security measures and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to ensure the safety of citizens and to bring those responsible to justice.
The management of Benue Links also responded, confirming that the vehicle involved had travelled outside approved operational hours. The company has a standing policy restricting night travel due to security risks, and the driver was reportedly taken into custody for questioning as part of the investigation into possible violations.
Security analysts have pointed to such lapses as contributing factors in attacks of this nature. The Taraku–Otukpo road has been identified as a high-risk corridor, with previous incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery recorded along the route. Travelling during restricted hours increases exposure to such threats, particularly in areas with limited security presence.
The broader context reflects a persistent challenge in Nigeria, where armed groups continue to target travellers and vulnerable populations for ransom. Students, in particular, are increasingly seen as attractive targets due to the urgency surrounding their activities and the likelihood of families making quick payments to secure their release.
Calls have also been made to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to consider rescheduling examinations for affected candidates. Authorities in Benue State have urged the examination body to take into account the circumstances that prevented the students from sitting for their tests.
As the rescued victims begin the process of recovery, many remain deeply shaken. Families have expressed both relief at their return and frustration over the security situation that made the incident possible. The experience has left lasting emotional scars, even as survivors attempt to rebuild a sense of normalcy.
Their testimonies serve as a stark reminder of the human impact of insecurity. For these young Nigerians, what began as a journey toward educational advancement turned into a fight for survival under brutal conditions.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and prevent similar incidents in the future. However, the attack underscores the urgent need for stronger security frameworks, better enforcement of transport regulations, and sustained action to address the underlying drivers of kidnapping and banditry.
For now, the voices of the survivors stand as powerful accounts of endurance in the face of adversity, offering a sobering glimpse into the realities faced by many across the country.
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