JAMB clarifies that abducted travellers in Benue were not UTME candidates but police recruitment participants, urging public fact-checking before reports spread.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially clarified widespread reports suggesting that individuals recently abducted along the Otukpo–Makurdi highway in Benue State were candidates participating in the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
According to the examination body, the claim is entirely false and misleading.
Correction of false narratives
In its detailed response, JAMB explained that the victims involved in the incident were not UTME candidates as initially reported by several media platforms and social media users.
Instead, they were participants in a police recruitment screening exercise who were returning to Otukpo when the unfortunate kidnapping occurred.
The institution emphasized that the rapid spread of misinformation had unfairly linked its operations to the incident, creating unnecessary confusion and public misunderstanding.
The clarification was issued through its Public Communications Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, who stressed the importance of verifying facts before publication.
According to him, the situation reflects a growing concern where unverified reports are quickly circulated without proper investigation, often leading to reputational damage for unrelated institutions like JAMB.
Concerns over misinformation
The Board expressed disappointment over how quickly the narrative was tied to its examination process without evidence.
It noted that some reports were driven by assumptions rather than verified intelligence.
Dr. Benjamin stated that it is unfortunate that in sensitive situations such as this, government agencies are often blamed without due diligence.
He added that such actions contribute to misinformation and undermine public trust.
The statement further highlighted that JAMB has no operational link to the victims involved, reiterating that its UTME examination schedule had no connection to the movement or activities of the abducted individuals.
Call for responsible reporting
The examination body urged journalists, bloggers, and social media users to always prioritize accuracy over speed.
It warned that spreading unverified claims can damage reputations and create unnecessary panic among the public.
JAMB also suggested that individuals or platforms that circulated the incorrect information should consider issuing corrections or apologies to restore public understanding and fairness.
The Board stressed that responsible communication is essential in maintaining institutional credibility and national stability, especially during sensitive security incidents.
Security agencies’ response commended
In the same statement, JAMB commended Nigerian security agencies for their swift intervention in responding to the abduction.
According to the Board, security operatives successfully rescued seven of the kidnapped victims who were traveling between Makurdi and Otukpo.
The agency described the rescue operation as a positive demonstration of coordination and commitment by security forces in handling emergency situations.
ALSO READ: Nigerian Army rescues abducted woman, arrests suspects in Benue
While expressing relief over the progress made, JAMB also extended sympathy to the families of those still in captivity and called for intensified efforts to secure their safe return.
Broader National Concern
Beyond correcting the misinformation, JAMB used the opportunity to highlight a broader national issue: the danger of misreporting and its impact on public perception.
The Board emphasized that kidnapping incidents should not be politicized or misrepresented.
It stated that such events require collective concern, empathy, and support for affected families rather than the spread of unverified claims.
According to the statement, every Nigerian deserves safety regardless of occupation, purpose of travel, or social status.
The focus, it added, should remain on ensuring the protection of lives and strengthening national security systems.
Institutional integrity and commitment
Reaffirming its position, JAMB stated its continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and innovation in carrying out its educational responsibilities.
The Board noted that it remains focused on improving its systems and aligning its operations with global best practices.
It also reassured candidates and stakeholders that its examination processes remain secure, well-structured, and independent of unrelated security events.
The institution further stressed that misinformation linking it to criminal incidents not only distorts public understanding but also distracts from its core mandate of ensuring fair and credible examinations for Nigerian students.
Public awareness and media responsibility
The statement concluded with a strong reminder about the role of media literacy in modern information sharing.
JAMB urged Nigerians to develop the habit of verifying news before sharing it, especially on social media platforms where misinformation spreads rapidly.
It also encouraged media houses to maintain professional standards by confirming facts from official sources before publishing sensitive reports.
In an era where digital information travels quickly, the Board noted that accuracy must take precedence over speed to avoid unnecessary panic and institutional misrepresentation.
Ireport247news
About The Author
