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There has been growing outrage after the family of one of the victims abducted during the Benue bus attack accused the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) of wrongly denying that any of the kidnapped passengers were candidates sitting for the 2026 UTME. The criticism follows JAMB’s earlier position that none of those abducted were registered candidates, a claim now being strongly disputed by affected families. 
A relative of one of the victims insisted that the statement from JAMB was “disturbing and dismissive,” maintaining that many of the passengers on the bus were indeed travelling to write their examinations. He explained that his nephew was among those heading to Otukpo for the UTME and claimed that most people on the bus were candidates rushing to meet early exam schedules. 
The family further blamed what they described as JAMB’s “problematic posting system,” arguing that candidates are often assigned to distant centres, forcing them to undertake risky journeys. They cited cases where students were posted far from their home areas, saying such arrangements expose young candidates to dangers, especially in regions with security challenges. While they did not directly blame JAMB for the abduction, they insisted the system contributed to the circumstances that led to the incident. 
The controversy adds to the already tense situation surrounding the Benue abduction, which involved several passengers travelling along the Makurdi–Otukpo road. As rescue efforts continue, the dispute between families and authorities highlights broader concerns about student safety, exam logistics, and the risks associated with long-distance travel for national examinations in Nigeria.
