Imo Police Rescue 10 Passengers After Gunmen Attack Two Buses, NYSC Members Abducted
The Imo State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers following a gunmen attack on two commercial buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state. The two buses have also been recovered as security agencies continue searching for passengers still missing.
The attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, near Umunoha, popularly known as “No Man’s Land.” The buses were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State.
Some of the passengers were prospective National Youth Service Corps members travelling to orientation camps. The police said the exact number of people abducted was still being verified and would be announced after confirmation.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Imo State, DSP Henry Okoye, said the 10 rescued victims were safe and receiving necessary attention. He added that tactical teams had been deployed to locate those still in captivity and track down the suspected abductors.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, alongside other security commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and provided operational direction for the ongoing search-and-rescue operation. The police said the operation would continue until all victims were safely recovered.
The command is also working with the NYSC Directorate to contact the families of affected corps members and keep them informed as the operation progresses. Security personnel have remained deployed in the area to protect commuters.
The affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has been reopened and traffic restored, according to the police. Authorities have urged motorists and residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the rescue operation.
While some reports initially put the number of abducted corps members at about 20, the police have not confirmed a final figure. The command said the total number of victims would be made public once verification is completed.