The Imo State Police Command has officially dismissed reports claiming that 15 UTME candidates were abducted while returning from their examination center in the state.

In a statement issued by the command's spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, police authorities clarified that the students from Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy, Onitsha, Anambra State, were merely stranded due to vehicle breakdown rather than being victims of abduction.

"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 statement read.

"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," Okoye emphasized.

According to the police spokesperson, the incident occurred when the school bus transporting the candidates experienced mechanical failure in the Amuro area of Okigwe on their return journey. The situation was compounded by poor network coverage in the area, which rendered their mobile phones temporarily unreachable.

"The poor network caused a communication gap, which gave rise to unfounded speculation online and concerns for their safety," Okoye explained.

Upon receiving reports of the incident, the Imo State Police Command, working with other security agencies, promptly conducted coordinated patrols that led to locating the stranded students. The police then escorted them to Owerri, where arrangements were made to repair their vehicle.

DSP Okoye confirmed that after the vehicle was repaired, the students and their proprietor safely continued their journey back to Onitsha.

The police command commended the public for their vigilance in promptly reporting the situation, which enabled security operatives to respond quickly and ensure the students' safety.

This clarification comes amid heightened concerns about the safety of students traveling for academic purposes in various parts of the country.