The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers following an attack on two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway.
The incident occurred early Thursday near Umunoha, with police authorities saying 10 of the victims had so far been rescued while efforts continued to establish the exact number of people still in captivity.
According to the police, the affected buses were conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State.
Police spokesperson in Imo, Okoye Henry, said the attack happened at about 6:30am on October 1, 2026, when suspected armed men intercepted the vehicles.
“The incident occurred at about 0630hrs on 1st October, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, by Umunoha. Two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, were attacked by suspected armed men,” the statement reads.
Okoye said the intervention of the police and other security agencies led to the recovery of the two buses and the rescue of 10 victims.
“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 exact number of persons abducted is being verified and will be made public once confirmed.”
The development had earlier generated tension along the busy highway after reports emerged that gunmen had attacked two 18-seater buses and forced passengers into the surrounding bush.
A video circulated on social media showed the buses, reportedly bearing the Abia State Government logo, while claims accompanying the footage indicated that the passengers were travelling to Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
The police said tactical teams were continuing search-and-rescue operations, with intelligence-led efforts being deployed to locate the attackers and recover those still missing.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, alongside other security service commanders, has also visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational directives.
“He assured the public that the Command will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice,” Okoye said.
The command also said it was liaising with the NYSC directorate to establish contact with the families of affected corps members and provide updates as the operation progresses.
Meanwhile, the affected portion of the expressway has been reopened to motorists, while security personnel have been deployed to safeguard commuters and maintain normal traffic flow.
The police urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant, while calling on anyone with useful information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects and victims to contact the nearest police station or the command through its emergency lines.
“All information will be treated in confidence,” Okoye added.
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