The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dismissed reports suggesting that individuals abducted along the Makurdi-Otukpo road were candidates en route to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a statement issued by its Public Communication Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, the examination body said findings from its inquiries confirmed that none of the victims were registered UTME candidates.
According to JAMB, those abducted were participants in an ongoing police recruitment exercise who had travelled to Makurdi and were returning to Otukpo at the time of the incident.
The clarification comes as security agencies confirmed the rescue of seven of the victims, while operations continue to secure the release of others still in captivity.
JAMB expressed concern over what it described as the rapid spread of unverified information linking the incident to its examination process, noting that the board was unfairly blamed without due verification.
“It is unfortunate that institutions like JAMB are often criticised in such situations without proper checks on the facts,” the statement noted.
The board further argued that the initial claims lacked credibility, explaining that UTME candidates are typically assigned to different examination centres and do not usually travel in groups for the test.
It called on those who circulated the reports to retract their claims and apologise for what it described as damage to its reputation.
While maintaining that the victims were not UTME candidates, JAMB emphasised that the incident remains a serious security concern, stressing that no individual deserves to be abducted under any circumstance.
The board also urged the public to exercise caution in sharing information, encouraging Nigerians to verify facts before making conclusions or attributing blame.
JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to its mandate, stating that it would not be distracted by what it termed unfounded allegations.
