How 15 Onitsha Students Went Missing and Were Found After JAMB in Imo – Police Clarify

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that the 15 students from Onitsha, initially feared missing after their JAMB exams in Imo State, have been found safe and sound.

The students, all from Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy, Onitsha, had traveled to Imo on May 16, 2025, accompanied by their school proprietor and staff, to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam at a CBT centre in Okigwe Zone.

After successfully writing their exams, the group encountered a vehicle breakdown in Amuro, a part of Okigwe known for poor mobile network coverage. The lack of communication sparked widespread concern on social media, with rumours of possible abduction quickly spreading.

Reacting to the incident, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, issued a statement dispelling fears of foul play or abduction. He explained that the communication gap caused by the breakdown led to the false alarm.

“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 their examinations as scheduled,” the statement read.

Okoye added that security operatives swiftly responded once alerted and traced the group to the location of the breakdown. They were then escorted to Owerri, where they received temporary assistance while their bus was repaired.

By the evening of May 17, the students and their team safely returned to Onitsha in good health.

The police commended members of the public for their concern and urged citizens to always verify information before sharing online.

“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,” the statement concluded.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

Old Video of Mmesoma’s JAMB Saga Resurfaces as Board Admits Result Error