Gunmen have abducted several secondary school students travelling to sit for university entrance examinations in Benue State, central Nigeria, in an attack that has alarmed authorities and communities.

According to Reuters, the incident happened along the Makurdi–Otukpo road on Thursday, where the students, along with other passengers, were intercepted by armed attackers. While officials have not confirmed the exact number of victims, local media reports indicate that at least 17 students are missing.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly act” targeting innocent civilians, particularly students on their way to write examinations. He stated that security agencies have already launched search-and-rescue operations and instructed them to intensify efforts to locate the victims.

The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where armed gangs and militant groups frequently target travellers, rural communities and schoolchildren. According to Reuters, such incidents continue despite repeated assurances by authorities to curb mass kidnappings, which have disrupted education and daily life in affected areas.

Residents in the region have increasingly expressed frustration over the persistent insecurity, questioning the effectiveness of government interventions. The situation has also drawn international attention, with Donald Trump previously citing violence in Nigeria as a concern, although the Nigerian government maintains that the crisis affects people of all religious backgrounds.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to safely recover those abducted.