The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued a statement refuting claims that fifteen 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam candidates were kidnapped while traveling from Onitsha to Okigwe.
In a Monday update, JAMB explained that the candidates simply experienced vehicle trouble in an area without mobile network coverage, preventing them from communicating with their families or calling for assistance. The examination body confirmed that all candidates have since been safely reunited with their families, as verified by the Imo State Police Command.
The clarification came in response to allegations made by a social media user identified as @uchePokoye, who had posted about a supposed kidnapping incident involving UTME candidates.
“This is to inform the general public that no candidates were kidnapped from Onitsha to Okigwe as erroneously reported by @uchePokoye,” JAMB stated. “The said candidates arranged a vehicle to convey them from Onitsha, Anambra state to write exam at Okigwe, Imo state. On their way, the vehicle developed a fault and unfortunately, there wasn’t a mobile network in the area, as such, they couldn’t call for help.”
The examination body noted that while the candidates have safely returned to their families, the social media user who spread the initial claim failed to provide any updates or correct the misinformation.
JAMB also raised questions about the candidates’ decision to travel outside their state of residence for the examination. “The questions we’re asking as an agency include- Of all the exam towns in Anambra state, what prompted the candidates’ selection of examination towns in Imo state and why group transportation arrangement?” the Board inquired.
The incident highlights the importance of accurate reporting during examination periods when tensions are already high among candidates and their families. JAMB continues to monitor the ongoing 2025 UTME process to ensure smooth operations across all examination centers nationwide.
