Following recent report about missing of 15 candidates who were said to have been abducted on their way home after sitting for their rescheduled UTME in Imo State, the State Police Command has stated that the candidates were stranded not abducted.

A press statement issued from the desk of the command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, stated that the vehicle conveying the candidates broke down rendering the students stranded along the way.

“The Imo State Police Command wishes to clarify reports concerning fifteen students of Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy, Onitsha, Anambra State, who departed Onitsha on 16th May 2025 for their rescheduled JAMB examinations at the CBT centre in Okigwe Zone, Imo State.

“The Command unequivocally confirms that no abduction took place. The students, together with their proprietor and support staff, safely arrived in Imo State and sat for their examinations as scheduled,” he stated.

Okoye, however, explained that what actually happened was that during their return journey, their school bus experienced a mechanical failure within Amuro area of Okigwe, where mobile network coverage is said to be limited which rendered their handsets temporarily out of network.

The Command’s spokesperson pointed out that the poor network 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,” he added.

Okoye further stated that after putting the vehicle in order, the students, with their proprietor resumed their journey and returned to Onitsha.

He commended the general public for showing concern and bringing the report to the notice of the police on time.