UTME 2026: Gov Alia Seeks Exam Reschedule for Alleged Kidnapped Candidates

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to reschedule the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for eight candidates allegedly affected by a kidnapping incident along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.

The governor made the appeal on Sunday at the Government House in Makurdi shortly after confirming that all abducted victims had been rescued by security operatives.

He said the request was necessary to ensure that the affected candidates are not deprived of their opportunity to sit for the UTME 2026 examination, especially given the traumatic circumstances surrounding the incident.

Governor Alia explained that the victims were kidnapped last Wednesday while travelling along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway in Benue State. According to him, a total of 15 persons were abducted, while two of the victims escaped shortly after the attack. The remaining 13 were later rescued during a coordinated operation by the Nigerian Army, with support from local communities.

READ ALSO:

• Allow Tinubu Complete Eight Years, Arewa Youths Caution Northern Aspirants
• Nigeria Bans Poultry, Cement, Pharma Imports from Non-ECOWAS Countries
• JAMB Releases 1.26 Million More 2026 UTME Results, Total Hits 1.89 Million

The rescue reportedly took place in a forest area at Okere ward in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

He said, “Many of the students were travelling to Otukpo. Seven were regular passengers, and 15 were kidnapped that fateful day. One of the victims escaped, and another escaped the following day. Today, all the remaining 13 kidnap victims were rescued by the security agents with the cooperation of the communities.”

Following the rescue, Governor Alia urged JAMB to make special arrangements for the eight individuals he described as young students preparing for the UTME, asking that they be given another opportunity to sit for the examination.

“I call on JAMB to look into the case of the eight young students and reschedule dates for them to write their examination,” he said.

However, the incident has generated conflicting accounts regarding the identity of the victims. The Benue State Police Command, through its spokesperson Udeme Edet, earlier stated that the abducted passengers were not UTME candidates, describing such reports as misinformation.

Similarly, JAMB’s Public Communications Adviser, Fabian Benjamin, clarified that the victims were actually travelling to participate in a police recruitment exercise in Makurdi and were returning to Otukpo at the time of the incident.

The conflicting statements have created uncertainty over whether the affected individuals were indeed UTME candidates, with authorities expected to carry out further verification before any decision is taken on a possible exam rescheduling request.

The incident has also renewed concerns over security along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway, a route that has witnessed repeated cases of kidnapping in recent years. Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to strengthen surveillance and prevent further attacks in the area.

UTME 2026: Gov Alia Seeks Exam Reschedule for Alleged Kidnapped Candidates

JAMB Releases 1.26 Million More 2026 UTME Results, Total Hits 1.89 Million

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released additional results from the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), covering candidates who sat for the exam on its second and third days.

In a statement issued on Sunday, JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin confirmed that 1,264,940 results from Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18, 2026, are now available for candidates to check.

According to the Board, candidates can access their results by sending “UTMERESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number used during registration.

This latest release comes after JAMB earlier published 632,752 results for candidates who wrote the exam on Thursday, April 16, bringing the total number of released results so far to 1,897,692.

READ ALSO:

• Ex–Fire Captain Jailed for Life for Killing Fiancée, Her Son Over Movie Argument
• NYSC Expands SAED Programme, Moves to Establish Trust Fund for Corps Members
• Why UTME Results Were Delayed — JAMB Gives Official Explanation

JAMB explained that the 2026 UTME results are being released in batches as part of its standard post-examination procedures. These include comprehensive screening processes to detect exam malpractice, identity fraud, and technical issues that may affect the integrity of the examination.

The Board noted that some results are still under review and may be temporarily withheld pending further investigation. It assured candidates that such measures are necessary to maintain the credibility of the examination system.

Candidates who are unable to access their results immediately have been advised to remain patient, as more results will be released after verification is completed.

JAMB also warned candidates against falling victim to fraudsters or websites promising to upgrade UTME scores, stressing that the SMS method remains the only official channel for checking results.

With about 2.2 million candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, the Board reiterated its commitment to transparency, fairness, and the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission process.

More updates are expected as the examination continues nationwide and additional results are processed.

JAMB Releases 1.26 Million More 2026 UTME Results, Total Hits 1.89 Million

Why UTME Results Were Delayed — JAMB Gives Official Explanation

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a public apology over the delay in releasing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results for candidates who sat for the exam on Friday, 17 April 2026, describing the affected release as the second batch in the ongoing result publication process.

In an official statement signed by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin (OrgExpert), the Board acknowledged the anxiety caused by the delay and expressed regret to candidates who were expecting their results earlier than scheduled.

JAMB explained that the delay was caused by the temporary unavailability of its Chief Executive, who was engaged in an important official assignment, which affected the final approval process required before the release of the results.

The Board, however, assured candidates that the situation had been resolved and that the UTME results for 17 April 2026 would be released later on Sunday, adding that publication would be completed before nightfall and in any case not later than midnight.

According to the statement, the delay had nothing to do with examination malpractice, technical failure, or marking issues, but was purely an administrative challenge relating to approval logistics.

READ ALSO:

• NDLEA Dismantles Drug Syndicate, Seizes Cocaine Hidden in Food Flasks
• Eight Kidnapped UTME Candidates Freed in Benue After Three Days
• Yayi’s emergence, defining moment for unity, equity, progress — Ogun West Professionals

JAMB also extended a formal apology to candidates who stayed up late waiting for the results, describing their patience as appreciated and acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the delay.

The examination body further assured the public that efforts were ongoing to improve efficiency in future UTME result releases, ensuring smoother coordination and faster dissemination of results across batches.

Candidates have been advised to monitor official JAMB communication channels for immediate updates once the results are published.

“We sincerely apologize for the delay in releasing the results for Friday, 17th April, which is the second batch in the series as earlier promised.

“Our Chief Executive was unavailable due to an important engagement but would be in the office today, and we assure you that the results will be released later today surely before nightfall.

“We also extend our heartfelt apologies to those who stayed up waiting for the release. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the statement read.

Why UTME Results Were Delayed — JAMB Gives Official Explanation