We Were Tortured, Fed with Mangoes; Abducted Benue UTME Candidates Recounts Ordeal after Rescue

The troops, while conducting search-and-rescue operations, recovered the victims in the early hours of Sunday from a forest area in Okete Ward, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue.

Addressing newsmen after being presented before the state’s Governor, Alia Hyacinth, on Monday, one of the rescued UTME candidates whose name was not disclosed recounted their ordeal in captivity.

She said they tortured by the bandits who demanded N10 million each for their release.

“We were fed with mangoes. We were tortured. They demanded that our parents should bring a ransom which was N10 million.

“We told them that our parents cannot afford it. But we were beaten as they said such comment must not be made.” She said.

Another rescued candidate disclosed that some of their colleagues already paid the ransom before their rescue.

He described the kidnappers as very heartless people as he recalled being thoroughly beaten.

“Although it is not all of us that has the money to pay, but some of our colleagues paid. They gave us a thorough beating. They are very heartless people. We thank God that about rescued.” He said.

While addressing the rescued victims, Alia commended the security operatives for the successful recovery of the victims from the kidnappers’ den.

The Benue governor however urged the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) to reschedule the examination of the eight rescued UTME candidates, promising that the state government will take care of the expenses.

“I would also like to call on JAMB authorities to look into the case of these eight young students.

“I will like you to please have them scheduled to write their examination. Set the date, we are willing to take care of the rest of it.” Alia said.