Kidnapped candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have narrated their traumatic experience after being rescued from captivity, where they said they were subjected to starvation, beatings, and inhumane treatment for four days.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to Nivo News, the victims were abducted on Wednesday along the Taraku–Otukpo road in Benue State when armed men attacked a Benue Links passenger vehicle. They were later rescued in the early hours of Sunday following coordinated operations by security operatives.

The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, who received the victims at the Government House in Makurdi, confirmed that among those rescued were eight UTME candidates, while others were regular commuters. He assured that the victims would receive medical attention and support, adding that efforts were ongoing to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. He also appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to consider special arrangements for the affected candidates who missed their examinations.

Recounting their ordeal, one of the victims, 18-year-old Gbenga Daniels, said the abductors dispossessed him of ₦8,000 and subjected them to constant assault, adding that they survived without proper food or clean water. Another survivor, Ngukulan Iornav, also 18, said they were fed only garri mixed with salt throughout their captivity and were repeatedly beaten.

A medical student, Orih Raphael Sylvester, explained that the victims were moved from one location to another within the forest to avoid detection by security forces. He said they initially went without food, later drank unsafe water, and were eventually forced to contact their families under duress while being assaulted. He added that they were later given instructions early Sunday morning to move toward the express road, where they eventually encountered military personnel.

Other victims, including a 100-level Accounting student of the Federal University of Lafia, Sunday Augustine, and Akor Jessica, also described the experience as traumatic, noting that they sustained injuries from repeated beatings with sticks and machetes.

A relative of two of the victims disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦10 million per person before a ransom of ₦3.4 million, along with food supplies, was eventually paid to secure their release.

Security authorities confirmed that 18 passengers were initially abducted, with some escaping during the ordeal, while 13 remained in captivity until their rescue. The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Enemari, said several suspects have been arrested and are assisting investigations, noting that the operation involved multiple security agencies.

However, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disputed claims that the victims were UTME candidates, stating that preliminary findings suggest they were participants in a police recruitment exercise returning from Makurdi when the incident occurred.

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) is reportedly considering the use of direct primaries in some states ahead of the 2027 general elections as internal disagreements and failed consensus negotiations continue to create tension within the party.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

among stakeholders and difficulties in reaching agreements on consensus candidates in several states. It was gathered that the party may adopt direct primaries in areas where consensus arrangements prove unworkable.

This development comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists draws closer. In response, the APC is said to be finalising preparations to release its timetable for primary elections covering presidential, governorship, and National Assembly contests.

Party insiders disclosed that the proposed timetable has already been reviewed by the APC National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda, and presented to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has reportedly given his approval. The schedule is expected to be officially unveiled soon.

While consensus candidates have reportedly been agreed upon in Lagos, Oyo, and Ogun States, discussions are still ongoing in several other states where agreement has not been reached, particularly those governed by second-term governors.

Findings indicate that the party is still struggling to conclude consensus arrangements in states such as Nasarawa, Kwara, Adamawa, Yobe, and Bauchi. There are also indications that President Tinubu may intervene to help resolve disputes in some of these states.

A senior party source explained that consultations are still ongoing, but emphasized that consensus cannot be imposed where disagreements persist. According to the source, incumbent governors are being given priority in selecting their successors, but unresolved conflicts may necessitate direct primaries.

Another APC official noted that while governors who recently joined the party may influence succession decisions, other stakeholders will still have input, particularly in legislative nominations, though arrangements differ across states.

The source further added that the party is determined to avoid internal crises that could lead to defections or anti-party activities, stressing that direct primaries may be adopted as a more transparent and democratic alternative where consensus fails.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is reportedly grappling with a deepening internal crisis as its leading presidential hopefuls harden their positions ahead of the 2027 general election, raising concerns over the party’s unity and future direction.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to political reports, none of the party’s major aspirants appear willing to step down or accept a consensus arrangement, a situation that has intensified tensions within the opposition party. In recent days, prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, and supporters of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi have all taken firm positions that suggest widening divisions.

Atiku Abubakar has reportedly ruled out any step-down arrangement, insisting that he remains a strong contender with the experience, structure, and national appeal needed to mount a competitive presidential campaign. His position has reportedly frustrated some stakeholders who believe a united front would require major aspirants to compromise for the sake of party cohesion.

Amaechi has also reportedly expressed strong opposition to Atiku’s ambition, questioning his suitability on the grounds of age, a development that sources say has further strained relations between both camps as competition for the ticket intensifies.

Similarly, Rauf Aregbesola is said to have voiced concerns about political arrangements that could sideline other regions, stressing that he would not support a campaign structure perceived to favour one geopolitical zone over others.

Adding to the growing tension, supporters of Peter Obi, popularly known as the Obidient Movement, have reportedly insisted that Obi must emerge as the party’s presidential candidate or they will withdraw their support and consider backing another platform. This stance has sparked criticism from within the party, with some leaders arguing that such rigid demands undermine internal negotiation and consensus-building.

Party insiders say the ADC leadership is increasingly worried about the escalating disagreements and public displays of rivalry among top figures. Several emergency consultations have reportedly been held in an attempt to manage the situation, but no concrete resolution has been reached.

A senior party source described the situation as a clash of ambitions rather than ideological differences, warning that such tensions are difficult to resolve when personal political interests are strongly involved.

As the 2027 election approaches, observers say the ADC risks being defined more by its internal power struggle than by a unified political vision, raising questions about its ability to present a strong and coordinated opposition challenge.

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