ATwo more of the 15 candidates abducted in Ikobi, Benue State, on Wednesday have escaped from captivity, reducing the number of those still missing to 13.

The development was disclosed by Benue Links Transport Company in a statement issued on Friday in Makurdi by its Public Relations Officer, Johnson Ehi.

According to the statement, the driver and a few passengers initially escaped during the attack, while 15 others were abducted. Two of the victims later regained their freedom.

“Management wishes to state unequivocally that the said trip was unauthorised and conducted in clear violation of the company’s operational guidelines,” the statement said.

It explained that there is a standing directive prohibiting company vehicles from embarking on journeys beyond 6:00 p.m. due to prevailing security challenges.

“The driver, acting without the knowledge or approval of management, removed the vehicle from the company’s premises, picked up passengers, and embarked on the journey without due documentation or clearance,” the company added.

Benue Links noted that because the trip was not officially recorded, it currently lacks comprehensive details of the passengers, although most of them are believed to be candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The company’s General Manager, Comrade Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa, expressed sympathy to the affected families and assured that the company is working with security agencies to secure the safe release of the remaining abductees.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the abduction, describing it as “unacceptable.”

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the targeting of innocent citizens—especially students travelling to write examinations—violates basic human and societal norms.

He assured residents that security agencies have launched operations and are actively pursuing the perpetrators.

According to the governor, coordinated search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe return of all abducted victims.

“We understand the anxiety and pain this incident has caused, particularly to parents whose children were among those abducted.

“We stand with you at this difficult time and assure you that everything humanly and operationally possible will be done to secure their safe release,” the statement added.