Driver of bus conveying kidnapped JAMB exam candidates in Benue arrested

By Johnson Arua

The Management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed that the driver of bus involved in the recent kidnap of JAMB examination candidates in Benue State has been detained for embarking on an unauthorized trip in violation of company regulations.

The incident, which occurred on the night of Wednesday April 15, 2026, at the Ikobi area of Otukpo Local Government Area, involved an 18-seater bus conveying passengers, most of whom were candidates scheduled to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.

According to a statement issued by the company’s Information Officer, Ehi Daniel, the vehicle came under attack by armed men during the journey. While the driver and a few passengers managed to escape, 15 passengers were abducted.

The company disclosed that two of the abducted passengers later escaped, reducing the number of those still unaccounted for to 13.

Management, however, stressed that the trip was carried out without authorization, in clear breach of its operational guidelines.

“The Management wishes to state unequivocally that the said trip was unauthorized and conducted in clear violation of the company’s operational guidelines,” the statement said.

It further explained that there is an existing directive prohibiting all company vehicles from embarking on journeys beyond 6:00 p.m. due to prevailing security concerns.

“The driver, acting without the knowledge or approval of Management, removed the vehicle from the company’s premises, picked up passengers and embarked on the journey without due documentation or clearance,” the statement added.

As a result, the company noted that the trip was not officially recorded, making it difficult to obtain full details of the passengers involved, aside from indications that most were JAMB candidates.

Confirming disciplinary action, the company stated that the driver is currently in police custody.

“The driver involved is presently in police custody and investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.

Reacting to the development, the General Manager of Benue Links, Comrade Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa, expressed sympathy for the affected families.

“We deeply sympathize with the families of the affected passengers and share in their distress at this difficult time,” he said.

He added that the company is collaborating with security agencies to ensure the safe release of the abducted victims.

Benue Links reiterated its commitment to passenger safety, assuring the public that it would enforce strict compliance with its operational policies to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.