The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the successful rescue of 10 individuals following an ambush by suspected armed assailants targeting two buses conveying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other travellers along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.
The attack occurred at about 6:30am on Thursday, October 1, around Umunoha, as the buses travelled from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State.
The police said both buses have also been recovered, while a joint operation involving tactical teams and other security agencies is underway to rescue those still in captivity and arrest the suspected abductors.
In a statement by the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Okoye Henry, the command said the 10 rescued victims were safe and receiving attention.
“Following a swift response by the Police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene. The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to,” the statement said.
The command said the exact number of people abducted during the attack was still being verified and would be made public once confirmed.
Operatives are conducting coordinated search and rescue operations, supported by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, alongside other security commanders, visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational direction.
Bosso assured the public that the operation would continue until all the victims were rescued and the suspected abductors brought to justice.
“The Command will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The police also said it was working with the National Youth Service Corps Directorate to contact the families of the affected corps members and keep them updated on developments.
Meanwhile, the affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha expressway has been reopened to traffic, with security personnel deployed to protect commuters.
The command urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, while appealing to anyone with credible information about the whereabouts of the abducted victims or suspects to contact the nearest police station or the command’s emergency lines.
“All information will be treated in confidence,” the command said.
What You Should Know
Gunmen recently ambushed two buses carrying National Youth Service Corps members and other commuters along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway in Imo State, prompting a swift joint response from police and tactical security teams.
- Positive Impact: Ten victims have been successfully rescued and are currently safe, while the affected expressway has been reopened and heavily secured for public travel.
- Potential Concerns: The incident highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities along major interstate highways, raising safety concerns for travellers and corps members travelling across geopolitical zones.
