The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has denied the kidnapping of candidates for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME. The Board clarified that such reports are false and misleading.

The Public Communication Advisor of the Board, Fabian Benjamin, in a statement, indicated that the kidnapped victims were not UTME candidates but participants in a police recruitment exercise, who were travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo, Benue State, when they were abducted, noting that seven of them have since been rescued.

The Board expressed regret over the tendency to hastily malign institutions without proper verification, stressing that such actions undermine credibility and public trust.

JAMB explained that the structure of the UTME makes it unlikely for candidates who know each other to be posted to the same centre or travel together, pointing out inconsistencies in the earlier narrative.

JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining global standards in its operations, stating that it will not be deterred by unfounded criticism.