2025 UTME: Police Give New Update On 15 ‘Missing’ Candidates

The Imo State Police Command has cleared the air on the reported disappearance of 15 UTME candidates from Onitsha, confirming that the students were never missing but were only stranded due to a vehicle breakdown in a low-network area.

The UTME candidates all from Eminent Scholars Imperial Academy in Onitsha, Anambra State, had traveled to Okigwe Zone, Imo State, on May 16, 2025, to sit for the UTME exam but were declared missing when they could not be traced on their return journey. Accompanied by their school proprietor and staff, they completed the exam successfully.

However, trouble arose during their return trip when their bus broke down in the Amuro area of Okigwe—a location known for poor mobile network coverage. The communication blackout creates fears and concern among parents and online users, leading to rumors that the students had gone missing.

Responding swiftly, security operatives from the Imo State Police Command, in collaboration with sister agencies, launched a coordinated patrol and successfully located the stranded students. The group was escorted safely to Owerri, where they received care and support before continuing their journey back to Onitsha on May 17.

In an official statement, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, debunked reports of any abduction, describing the situation as a case of miscommunication. He emphasized that all students were found in good health and that there was no foul play involved.

“The students, together with their proprietor and support staff, safely arrived in Imo State and sat their examinations as scheduled. Unfortunately, during their return journey, the school bus experienced a mechanical failure in the Amuro area of Okigwe, where mobile network coverage is limited,” the statement read.

“This unforeseen breakdown caused a communication gap, which gave rise to unfounded speculation online and concerns for their safety. They were safely escorted to Owerri, where arrangements were made to tow and repair the school bus.”

The Command thanked the public for their concern and urged citizens to avoid spreading unverified information, reassuring residents that their safety remains a top priority.

“The Imo State Police Command remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone within Imo State,” the statement concluded.
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