By George Omagbemi
Gunmen have abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers after attacking two buses along the Owerri–Onitsha Road near Umunoha, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to various NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South when the attackers intercepted the vehicles on Thursday morning.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying 10 victims had been rescued, while the exact number of people still missing was being verified.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said the two buses were conveying NYSC members and other passengers travelling to destinations including Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State.
He said Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso, alongside other security commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and directed the ongoing rescue operation.
According to the police, tactical teams and other security agencies have been deployed, with operatives conducting intelligence-led searches and combing surrounding bushes to locate the remaining victims and track the suspected abductors.
The attack has renewed concerns over the safety of young graduates travelling long distances to report for the mandatory national service.
For families awaiting news of their loved ones, however, the immediate priority remains the safe recovery of everyone still missing as security agencies intensify their search.
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