JAMB Commends Security Agencies for Rescue, Denies UTME Candidates Involved
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has publicly commended Nigerian security agencies for their successful rescue of seven individuals who were kidnapped while traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo in Benue State. However, JAMB has strongly refuted earlier reports that falsely identified these victims as candidates of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
False Claims and Clarifications from JAMB Spokesperson
Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson for JAMB, explained in a detailed statement that the rescued persons were actually participants in an ongoing police recruitment exercise, en route to Otukpo when the abduction occurred. He expressed dismay at the rapid spread of misinformation, which he said unfairly maligned government institutions, particularly JAMB, without factual basis.
Benjamin emphasized that none of the kidnapped individuals were UTME candidates, and he criticized the inconsistencies in the narrative that suggested otherwise. He pointed out that JAMB would not post candidates from the same area to the same examination center, further debunking the claims. In his statement, he called for a public apology from those who propagated the false information, citing the unwarranted damage to JAMB's reputation.
Public Reactions to JAMB's Statement
The statement, shared on Benjamin's social media page on Saturday, April 18, 2026, sparked varied reactions from Nigerians. Some users questioned the use of a personal handle for official communications, while others criticized JAMB for what they perceived as insensitivity in focusing on the identity of the victims rather than the kidnapping itself. Conversely, some commended JAMB for its transparency and efforts in maintaining integrity in the admission process.
- Masqua urged Benjamin to use JAMB's official Twitter account for such announcements, accusing him of seeking attention.
- Oluwakemi Aluko labeled the statement as insensitive, arguing that all kidnap victims deserve equal concern regardless of their status.
- Chikaorama praised JAMB for its reforms and the outgoing registrar's contributions to higher education admissions.
- Stephen Ayoola raised an unrelated issue about difficulties in checking UTME results, highlighting ongoing concerns with the examination process.
Background on Recent JAMB Incidents
This incident follows other recent controversies involving JAMB, including a viral report about a UTME candidate being denied entry to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) center in Ibadan over her hijab. Benjamin clarified that this action was taken by an overzealous ad hoc staff member and not sanctioned by JAMB or the center, underscoring the board's commitment to fair and inclusive examination practices.
JAMB continues to address misinformation and uphold its reputation amidst challenges in Nigeria's educational and security landscapes.
