Eight Kidnapped UTME Candidates Freed in Benue After Three Days

Eight of the passengers rescued from last Wednesday’s Benue Links bus abduction have been identified as candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), highlighting growing security concerns around the nationwide examination.

The victims were among passengers on an 18-seater Benue Links vehicle hijacked by gunmen on April 15, 2026, while travelling to Otukpo, Benue State, to sit for their exams. The incident occurred along a known flashpoint, further underscoring the vulnerability of commuters on intercity routes.

They regained their freedom in the early hours of Sunday after spending about three days in captivity, following coordinated security efforts involving the police and other agencies.

The rescued individuals, including three female candidates, were subsequently brought to the Benue State Government House in Makurdi by the State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, alongside their parents and guardians, for official reception by Governor Hyacinth Alia.

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Sources at the Government House said the victims appeared visibly exhausted and traumatised after their ordeal, while documentation and profiling processes were ongoing ahead of their formal reception by the governor.

Security authorities disclosed that the victims were rescued through sustained pressure on the kidnappers, including intelligence-driven operations that forced the criminals to abandon them. No casualties were reported during the rescue.

The abduction had sparked widespread concern, particularly as it involved students travelling to write the 2026 UTME. Education stakeholders and parents have since raised alarm over the safety of candidates commuting long distances to examination centres.

Officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board have reiterated that candidates affected by verified emergencies, including insecurity, will be given the opportunity to reschedule their examinations in line with the board’s contingency provisions.

Meanwhile, the incident has renewed calls for tighter security across major highways and around Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres during examination periods. Stakeholders are urging closer collaboration between examination bodies, transport operators, and security agencies to safeguard candidates.

In recent months, there has been heightened concern over attacks on travellers in parts of North-Central Nigeria, with commuters increasingly vulnerable to kidnappings along key transit routes.

Authorities in Benue State have assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators of the bus abduction and prevent a recurrence, as investigations continue.

Eight Kidnapped UTME Candidates Freed in Benue After Three Days

Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor

The Nasarawa State Police Command on Sunday disclosed the arrest of one Pastor Asonye Isaiah, 37, of Rock of Love and Adoration Ground, Old Karshi, Abuja, for allegedly defiling a 16-year-old girl.

The arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Karishi Division on Saturday, 18th April, 2026, at about 8:00pm.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect deceived the victim’s aunt, claiming her niece was “possessed” and required cleansing at a river.

According to the Command spokesperson, SP Ramhan Nansel, Isaiah instead took the victim to a hotel in New Karshi, Nasarawa State where he allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of her twice and threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.

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He said, “The crime came to light after the victim’s guardian observed unusual changes in her behaviour and questioned her.

“The victim was immediately taken for medical examination, which confirmed penile penetration.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the offence and pleaded for leniency.”

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.

He assured that justice will be served and urged members of the public to exercise caution regarding places of worship they attend and individuals who parade themselves as clerics.

Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor

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Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ugborikoko Police Station in Warri, Delta State, has been accused of ordering officers to brutally assault, strip naked, and force confessions from 15 women during a controversial police raid.

The allegation was made public by human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu and one of the victims, Janet James George, in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter), which has since sparked widespread outrage.

According to the victim’s account, the women were arrested during a raid around the Delta Mall area and taken to the Ugborikoko Police Station, where they were detained overnight before the alleged assault occurred the following day.

She alleged that the DPO personally supervised the operation and instructed officers—reportedly dressed in plain clothes—to flog the women with wires and force them to confess to prostitution.

“They flogged us naked… they used wire to flog us… if you say you are not a prostitute, they will slap you and beat you until you agree,” she alleged.

She further claimed that the women were beaten for several hours, forced to sign statements admitting to prostitution, and filmed during the ordeal.

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The victim also alleged that some of the women sustained injuries to sensitive parts of their bodies, making it difficult for them to walk or use the toilet after the incident.

The alleged abuse has drawn strong reactions from rights advocates, who have called for a transparent investigation into the conduct of officers at the station and accountability if the claims are verified.

The incident is said to have occurred on April 10.

Reacting to the viral video, the spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force in Delta State, DSP Bright Edafe, condemned the allegations, describing them as “painful and very sad.”

He confirmed that the command has begun reviewing the case and assured that appropriate action would be taken.

“The command has received this report… no human being should be given this treatment no matter what. The command is presently giving it all the attention it deserves,” Edafe said.

He also urged the victim to formally reach out to the command to assist ongoing investigations.

The case adds to growing scrutiny of alleged misconduct within police divisions in Nigeria, with renewed calls for reforms, improved accountability, and adherence to human rights standards in law enforcement operations.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to verify the claims and determine the next steps.

Delta DPO Accused of Ordering Flogging, Naked Strip of Women in Police Raid