Gunmen Abduct NYSC Members in Imo, 10 Rescued
Gunmen have abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers after attacking two buses along the Owerri–Onitsha Road near Umunoha, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The buses were carrying prospective corps members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, and Bende, Abia State, when they were intercepted by the attackers at about 6:30 a.m. on October 1, according to the Imo State Police Command.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said security forces responded to the attack, recovered both buses and rescued 10 victims at the scene. He said the exact number of people still in captivity was being verified.
Tactical teams and other security agencies have continued search-and-rescue operations, supported by intelligence-led efforts to track the suspected kidnappers. Imo Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso and other security commanders also visited the scene to coordinate the response.
The affected section of the expressway has since been reopened, with security personnel deployed to protect commuters. Police said they were also working with NYSC authorities to contact families of the affected corps members and provide updates.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of young Nigerians travelling to NYSC orientation camps. It follows another highway attack in Kogi State in August, when corps members were among passengers abducted before being rescued by security forces.
