Police deny reported abduction of 15 Anambra UTME candidates

The Imo state police command has clarified reports concerning 15 students of Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy, Onitsha, Anambra.

The students were said to have entered a chartered bus which departed Onitsha on May 16 for their rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) at a CBT centre in Okigwe Zone, Imo.

They were said to have been kidnapped and declared missing on Saturday.

The children, the school owner, and his wife, the driver, were said to be unreachable.

However, in a statement on Monday, Henry Okoye, the Imo police spokesperson, said no abduction occurred.

He said the students, together with their proprietor and support staff, safely arrived in Imo state and sat their examinations as scheduled.

“Unfortunately, during their return journey, the school bus experienced a mechanical failure in the Amuro area of Okigwe, where mobile network coverage is limited,” the statement reads.

“This unforeseen breakdown caused a communication gap, which gave rise to unfounded speculation online and concerns for their safety.

“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.

“After the necessary repairs, the students and their proprietor resumed their journey and returned to Onitsha on 17th May 2025, all in good health.

“The Command appreciates concerned citizens for the timely information. We urge the public to avoid spreading unverified information while supporting our efforts to keep the state safe.”