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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.
Former Super Eagles and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi believes Stanley Nwabali's return to South African club Chippa United could lead to his recall to the national team. Akpeyi stated that Nwabali's absence from the Super Eagles squad was primarily due to a lack of regular club football, not a decline in ability. Nwabali was Nigeria's first-choice goalkeeper at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the team reach the final, and remained number one through the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, he has not played for the national team since leaving Chippa United by mutual consent in February, missing recent campaigns and friendlies. Akpeyi emphasized Nwabali's proven quality for Nigeria, stating, "He has been excellent, absolutely excellent. Faultless for Nigeria. He has taken them to places." Akpeyi explained that being unattached to a team makes national team invitations difficult. He added that Nwabali's decision to return to Chippa United, where he began his career, offers him the best chance to regain form and earn the trust of the coaches. Nwabali aims to establish himself at Chippa United as the 2026/27 South African Premiership season starts on August 1, with an eye on Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign beginning in September.
Stand-up comedian and actor, Senator, stated that the Nigerian comedy industry has created numerous opportunities for practitioners, encouraging entertainers to explore various creative areas. In an interview, Senator noted the industry's evolution beyond traditional stand-up comedy, with the rise of skits, sitcoms, and event hosting. He explained that while stand-up was once the primary focus, the emergence of social media skits, series, and sitcoms, along with the demand for humorous MCs and comp猫res for events, has broadened the scope. Senator highlighted that these changing industry demands have led many comedians, including himself, to diversify their skills while retaining their passion for comedy. He described the entertainment sector as rich with possibilities, particularly for new talents seeking sustainable careers. Despite this growth, Senator acknowledged that the industry's expansion has not been as rapid as some anticipated.
Must ReadFuel prices have increased nationwide in Nigeria, with petrol reaching up to N1,230 per litre in some areas. This rise is attributed to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery's decision to sell petrol to marketers in dollars and a surge in global crude oil prices due to tensions between the United States and Iran. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria PETROAN has warned against monopoly and arbitrary pricing, stating that such practices could destabilize the downstream petroleum sector. Dr. Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of PETROAN, emphasized the need for a stable and competitive pricing framework. Marketers have reported delays in petrol loading at the Dangote refinery, a claim denied by the Dangote Group. The National Vice-President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Hammed Fashola, confirmed the loading delays but expressed optimism for resumption. Marketers are also facing difficulties in sourcing dollars to purchase petrol from the refinery. Depot prices for petrol remained high, ranging from N1,185 to N1,245 per litre across major depots. Retail pump prices in cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna have also seen increases, with some stations selling at N1,200 to N1,230 per litre. Consumers and transporters express concerns that dollar-denominated pricing could lead to further price hikes and increased costs for transportation and goods.