MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — Authorities have clarified that recent kidnap victims in Benue State are not candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), countering widespread claims circulating on social media.
The clarification comes amid rising concerns and confusion following reports that students scheduled to sit for the national examination were abducted.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the Benue State Police Command dismissed the claims, stating that the victims involved in the incident have no connection to the ongoing UTME exercise.
The police explained that preliminary investigations did not establish any link between the kidnapped individuals and candidates registered for the examination conducted by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
According to officials, misinformation about the incident spread rapidly online, creating panic among parents, students, and the general public.
The command urged citizens to rely on verified information and avoid sharing unconfirmed reports that could escalate fear and disrupt public order.
Similarly, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board also issued a statement distancing the UTME exercise from the incident.
JAMB emphasized that none of the individuals affected by the kidnapping were registered candidates scheduled to participate in the examination.
The examination body reassured candidates nationwide that adequate security arrangements remain in place at all accredited centres.
It further stated that the UTME process continues as planned across the country without disruption.
Security agencies in Benue State have intensified efforts to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe rescue of the victims.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order while addressing security challenges in the state.
The development highlights the growing impact of misinformation in crisis situations, particularly when it involves sensitive national activities such as public examinations.
Officials have called on media platforms and the public to verify information before dissemination to prevent unnecessary panic.
As investigations continue, both the police and JAMB have maintained that the incident, though serious, is unrelated to the UTME exercise currently underway.
