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Benue Governor requests JAMB reschedule exams for kidnapped UTME candidates
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB to reschedule examinations for eight UTME candidates who were among 15 passengers kidnapped last Wednesday night. The governor made this appeal while hosting the rescued victims at Government House, Makurdi, describing them as "victims of circumstance." The abduction occurred between Taraku and Otukpo in Gwer East and Otukpo Local Government Areas. All 13 remaining kidnapped victims have since been rescued by security agents. Governor Alia directed the State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Paul Ogwuche, to ensure the victims receive medical examination and treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. He also commended the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and other security agencies for their efforts, confirming that seven suspects have been arrested. One of the kidnapped UTME candidates, Jessica Akor, recounted her ordeal, stating that the abductors demanded a N10 million ransom per person and threatened to kill them if it was not paid. Akor's account contradicts a previous statement from JAMB denying that any of its candidates were among those abducted. She detailed how the bus was intercepted by armed men near Otukpo around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, and they were taken into the bush, subjected to long walks, and given gari mixed with salt when hungry. The state Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the rescue, stating that the
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Everlasting Fountain Welfare Initiative plans to construct a 500-capacity shelter in Obafe town, Ogun State, to address homelessness. Founder Abiola Adeniyi announced the project during its groundbreaking ceremony, stating that the facility, situated on seven acres, will also include a training center for skill acquisition. Adeniyi explained that her childhood experiences and the increasing number of homeless Nigerians inspired the initiative. The proposed facility aims to serve as a rehabilitation center, helping individuals rediscover their purpose and develop useful skills. Since 2021, the foundation has provided accommodation, paid school fees, and supported vulnerable individuals through programs like 'Youth Against Idleness.' The project also includes plans for a farming institute to train individuals in livestock and other agricultural areas. Beneficiaries will be selected without religious discrimination. Adeniyi urged government support for NGOs assisting vulnerable populations and thanked New Covenant Church and volunteers, promising transparency in managing public donations. Victor Adeniyi, Patron of the foundation, described the project as a dream realized through collective effort, envisioning it as a sanctuary for restoration and empowerment.
A landmark art exhibition celebrating renowned artist Bruce Onobrakpeya, titled “The Gregorian Art Exhibition,” is scheduled to take place at Jubilee Hall, St. Gregory’s College, Ikoyi, Lagos, from April 25 to April 27, 2026. Organized by the St. Gregory’s College Old Boys Association and curated by Mudiare Onobrakpeya, the event is expected to draw prominent Nigerian cultural, traditional, and political figures. Among the attendees will be Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, the Obi of Onitsha Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, and former Ogun State governor Senator Gbenga Daniel. Other notable guests include the Oniru of Iruland, the Onigeruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, the Onilado of Ilado and Inagbe, and Oba Bashir Abisoye Odesanya, the Oloto of Otto, Ido and the Mainland Kingdom of Lagos State. The exhibition, themed “Celebrating Legacy, Excellence and Continuity,” aims to honor Onobrakpeya’s significant influence on Nigerian modern art and his status as a UNESCO-recognized Living Human Treasure. The opening ceremony on April 25 at 11:30 a.m. is strictly by invitation for VIP viewing, with public access beginning at 2:00 p.m. on the same day and continuing from 11:00 a.m. daily on April 26 and 27. The showcase will feature works from various generations of artists, including the late Victor Uwaifo, David Dale, and Mike Omoighe, alongside contemporary artists such as Tayo Tekovi Quaye, Quevi Quaye, Lionel Etta, and Morgan Nwanguma. Organizers state the exhibition seeks to bridge ge
Victor Osimhen's availability for the upcoming derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe is still in doubt, according to recent reports from Turkey. The striker, who was sidelined for approximately a month due to an arm injury, resumed team training last week. He traveled with the squad for their match against Gençlerbirliği but was not included in the final lineup. Galatasaray secured a 2-1 victory in that game, with goals from Mauro Icardi and Yunus Akgün, extending their lead at the top of the table. Head coach Okan Buruk explained Osimhen's omission, stating that the player had participated in parts of training but experienced fatigue and was not yet ready for competitive play, requiring careful management. Turkish journalist Kutlu Akpınar indicated that while Osimhen might see some playing time in the derby, he is not expected to be at 100% fitness, with his status becoming clearer by Friday. Buruk also suggested a gradual return to action for Osimhen, mentioning that his minutes in the next cup match would be assessed.
Nigeria's top-ranked tennis player, Daniel Adeleye, secured a victory in his opening qualifying match at the ATP Challenger 50 event in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. The 19-year-old overcame France's Elijah Sanogo in a three-set match, winning 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 5 on Sunday. Adeleye is set to face Algeria's Hamza Reguig in the next round of qualifiers. This win follows Adeleye's active participation on tour since his significant role in helping Nigeria advance in the Davis Cup World Group II play-offs in February. During the Davis Cup event at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Adeleye contributed two crucial singles wins, leading Nigeria to a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan. This performance secured Nigeria's spot in the Davis Cup World Group II, where they are scheduled to play Morocco from September 18 to 20, 2026. However, Adeleye's tour commitments might prevent his participation in that tie. The ATP Challenger 50 is part of the ATP's secondary professional circuit, which includes 158 tournaments in its 2026 calendar, offering prize money between $63,000 and $300,000.