Police rescue 10 passengers after Imo bus attack, search continues

The Imo State Police Command says it has rescued 10 passengers abducted after gunmen attacked two commercial buses in Mbaitoli Local Government Area and recovered both vehicles. The buses were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, when they were attacked at about 6:30am on Thursday. The incident occurred at Umunoha, a location known as “No Man’s Land”.

Some serving National Youth Service Corps members were among those abducted, according to the command. Police said the exact number of passengers taken was still being established and would be released after verification. The command’s public relations officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said the rescued victims were safe and receiving necessary attention.

He said operatives were pursuing the suspected abductors and conducting coordinated search-and-rescue operations. Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso and other service commanders visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to provide operational direction. Police and sister security agencies deployed tactical teams and operational assets to search for the remaining passengers.

The command said it was working with the NYSC Directorate to contact the families of affected corps members and keep them informed. It said the operation would continue until all victims were rescued and the suspects arrested. Police also said the affected section of the expressway had been reopened and traffic was flowing, with security personnel remaining in the area to protect commuters.

The command appealed for calm and urged anyone with credible information to contact the nearest police station or its emergency lines. It said information provided would be treated confidentially.