Ten people abducted by suspected gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State have been rescued as security agencies continue a search for other victims believed to be in the custody of the attackers.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 1, when armed men reportedly attacked two buses conveying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers.
According to the Imo State Police Command, the attack took place at about 6:30am around Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed that 10 victims had been recovered during a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the police and other security agencies.
He said the rescued victims were safe and receiving attention, while the command was still working to establish the total number of people abducted.
The buses were reportedly travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, towards Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State, where some of the NYSC members were expected to report for their orientation programmes.
Initial reports had suggested that about 20 corps members were among those taken by the attackers. However, the police said the actual number of victims was still being verified.
Following the attack, tactical teams and personnel from other security agencies were deployed to the area to conduct searches and track the suspected abductors.
The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, also visited the scene alongside other security commanders to assess the situation and coordinate the ongoing operation.
The police said the search would continue until all victims were accounted for and those behind the attack were arrested.
Meanwhile, the affected portion of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has been reopened to motorists, with security personnel maintaining a presence in the area.
The police also said they were working with the NYSC authorities to reach the families of affected corps members and keep them informed as the operation progresses.
Residents and commuters have been urged to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could assist in locating the remaining victims and apprehending the suspects.
