Police Rescue 10 After Gunmen Attack Corps Members’ Buses in Imo

The Imo State Police Command says security agencies have rescued 10 people abducted after gunmen attacked two buses carrying National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers on the Owerri-Onitsha Road. Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye said in a statement on Thursday that the victims were safe and receiving attention. He added that the exact number of people abducted was still being verified and would be released after confirmation.

According to the command, the buses were attacked at about 6:30 a.m. near Umunoha. One bus was carrying corps members and passengers travelling to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, while the other was heading to Bende, Abia State, for NYSC orientation activities.

The travellers had reportedly departed from Ibadan, Oyo State. The incident followed reports that about 20 corps members had been abducted while travelling towards orientation camps in the South-East and South-South. The command said tactical teams and other operational assets were deployed in a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.

Intelligence-led tracking was also being used to locate the suspected abductors and secure the release of any remaining victims. Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso and other service commanders visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to direct the operation, the statement said. Bosso assured the public that the effort would continue until all victims were recovered and the suspects brought to justice.

The affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has reopened, with traffic flowing normally, while security personnel remain deployed. Police said they were working with the NYSC directorate to contact families and provide updates, and urged the public to remain calm, vigilant and willing to share credible information confidentially.