Rescued and Safe: 15 Missing UTME Candidates Found After Travel Ordeal in Imo State

 

Fifteen secondary school students from Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy, Onitsha, have been safely recovered and reunited with their families following a brief but tense period of uncertainty regarding their whereabouts. The students, who had traveled to Imo State for their rescheduled 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), were declared missing after failing to return to Anambra State as expected.

Their journey began on May 16, when they departed Onitsha with the school proprietor and some staff members, headed for a designated Computer Based Test (CBT) center in the Okigwe Zone of Imo State. While they successfully sat for their examinations, an unexpected mechanical failure during their return trip triggered a chain of events that led to widespread speculation and panic on social media platforms.

The group’s vehicle reportedly broke down in Amuro, a remote area within Okigwe where mobile phone coverage is notoriously weak. The inability to establish contact with the students or their guardians during this time quickly fueled rumors that the students may have been abducted, sparking anxiety among families and the broader public.

Authorities in Imo State responded swiftly to the growing concerns. According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Henry Okoye, officers launched an immediate search operation in collaboration with other security agencies. Their coordinated efforts soon led to the discovery of the students, who were found unharmed but stranded at the site of the vehicle breakdown.

“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,” DSP Okoye confirmed.

The students and accompanying staff were subsequently escorted to the state capital, Owerri, where they received temporary care and support. Repairs were made to the school bus, and after ensuring that all safety checks were in place, the group continued their journey back to Onitsha. They arrived on May 17 in good physical condition and high spirits, much to the relief of worried parents and school officials.

Authorities were quick to dispel rumors of abduction or foul play. DSP Okoye emphasized that the incident stemmed purely from a mechanical issue and the resulting communication blackout. He urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, warning that doing so could lead to unnecessary panic and misdirect valuable security resources.

“The Command unequivocally confirms that no abduction took place,” the statement read. “The students, together with their proprietor and support staff, safely arrived in Imo State and sat their examinations as scheduled… This unforeseen breakdown caused a communication gap, which gave rise to unfounded speculation online and concerns for their safety.”

Police officials praised the public for their concern and the prompt flow of information that helped facilitate a quick resolution. However, they reiterated the importance of verifying facts before broadcasting them, especially when public safety is involved.

The recovery of the students also stands as a testament to the rapid response mechanisms in place within the Imo State security framework. The police reassured citizens of their continued commitment to ensuring safety for all, especially during critical periods like nationwide examinations when student movements are heightened.

For now, the students and their families can breathe a sigh of relief. What began as a potentially tragic situation ultimately concluded with relief and gratitude, thanks to swift action and cooperative efforts between the police and concerned members of the community.