Security forces pursue rescue of 19 abducted corps members in Imo

Police and army units in Imo State say they are continuing efforts to rescue 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted after gunmen attacked two commercial buses in Mbaitoli Local Government Area. The buses were travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State when they were attacked at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday near Umunoha, Ogbaku, an area known as “No Man’s Land”.

The drivers escaped and alerted security personnel at a nearby checkpoint, according to Isiah Akpan, managing director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited. Imo police spokesman DSP Henry Okoye said on Sunday that security operatives were conducting an operation and were gradually closing in on the victims’ location. He said the command would provide further updates.

Major Hashimu Abdullahi, spokesman for the 34 Artillery Brigade in Owerri, said the army and other security agencies were collaborating on the rescue. He said all available avenues were being explored and that the media would be informed of significant developments. Imo Commissioner of Police Audu Garba Bosso said the police had identified the suspected camp after trailing the abductors into the bush and using drones.

However, he said intelligence indicated that the location might have been fitted with improvised explosive devices, making an immediate advance dangerous. Bosso said security agencies were preparing to enter the area with bulldozers and armoured personnel carriers in an attempt to free the victims safely. Families have alleged that the abductors demanded N50 million for each person, a total of N950 million, and contacted relatives using the victims’ phones.

The families have appealed to authorities for intervention.