Fresh Update Emerges As Police Speak On Abducted NYSC Members

9

The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members were among passengers abducted by suspected gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway on Thursday morning, October 1, 2026.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. around Umunoha, where two 18-seater buses travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State were reportedly attacked by suspected armed men.

The Imo State Police Command spokesperson, Okoye Henry, said the police and other security agencies responded swiftly to the incident, leading to the recovery of both buses and the rescue of 10 victims.

He said the rescued victims had been taken to safety and were receiving necessary attention, while authorities were still working to establish the exact number of people who remained in captivity.

Okoye explained that coordinated search-and-rescue operations were ongoing to locate the remaining victims and apprehend the suspects responsible for the attack.

He added that the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, alongside other security commanders, had visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational directives.

The police spokesperson said the command was also collaborating with the NYSC authorities to contact the families of affected corps members and provide them with updates as the rescue operation progresses.

Meanwhile, the affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has been reopened to motorists, with security personnel deployed along the route to protect commuters and prevent further attacks.

The command urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant while appealing to anyone with credible information about the suspects or the whereabouts of the abducted victims to contact the police or visit the nearest police station. Authorities assured that information provided would be treated confidentially.