Fifteen UTME candidates earlier feared kidnapped in Imo State have now been confirmed safe. The Imo State Police Command says the students were not abducted but stranded after their school bus broke down.
In a statement by DSP Henry Okoye, the Command gave a full account of the incident involving students of Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy, Onitsha, who had traveled to Okigwe Zone for their rescheduled JAMB exam on the 16th of May, 2025.
He said, “The Imo State Police Command wishes to clarify reports concerning fifteen students of Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy, Onitsha, Anambra State, who departed Onitsha on 16th May 2025 for their rescheduled JAMB examinations at the CBT centre in Okigwe Zone, Imo State.
“The Command unequivocally confirms that no abduction took place. The students, together with their proprietor and support staff, safely arrived in Imo State and sat for their examinations as scheduled.”
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Okoye explained that the bus developed a fault at Amuro in Okigwe on the way back, leaving the students stranded. Limited network coverage in that area made it difficult for them to communicate, sparking panic online.
The police quickly swung into action after getting reports of the incident. They teamed up with other security agencies, launched a patrol, and found the students.
“Upon receiving the information, operatives of the Imo State Police Command, in close collaboration with sister security agencies, immediately conducted a coordinated patrol and located the stranded students. They were safely escorted to Owerri, where arrangements were made to tow and repair the school bus.”
Once the vehicle was fixed, the students and their school team continued their trip and made it back to Onitsha.
Okoye appreciated the public for raising the alarm early and urged calm to avoid future misinformation.