Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), to grant a special examination window for eight students recently rescued from the clutches of kidnappers.

The candidates, it can be recalled were abducted by armed bandits last week, while in transit to their UTME center in Otukpo, Benue State.

Although, a swift intervention by security forces led to their successful rescue, the timing of the abduction and the subsequent trauma saw them missed their scheduled examination slots.

In a statement released through his spokesperson, Governor Alia argued that the students should not be subjected to the “double jeopardy” of losing an academic year after surviving a life-threatening ordeal.

“These young citizens have already endured unimaginable trauma,” the Governor stated.

“It is only fair that state and federal institutions provide them with a path forward. We are calling on JAMB to consider the exceptional nature of this case and reschedule their exams.”

The Benue State Government’s three-pronged interventions to ensure the students are not left behind include; Dedicated Rescheduling – special makeup session specifically for the eight affected candidates.

Others are; Psychological Readiness – a window that allows the students to complete medical evaluations and trauma counseling before sitting for the exams, and Enhanced Transit Security – a commitment to heightened security presence on major highways to protect students during future examination periods.

While the rescue operation has been lauded as a major tactical success for state security forces, Governor Alia maintained that the mission is only half-won noting that, the “victory is only complete” when the rescued victims are empowered to pursue their academic aspirations without the setback caused by their captors.

However, JAMB is yet to respond to the request, as educational stakeholders and civil society groups within Benue have thrown their weight behind the Governor.

They called for a “compassionate waiver” that prioritizes the future of the youth in the face of national security challenges.

The candidates, we are reliably informed are currently receiving medical care and psychological support under the supervision of Benue State tate Government.