The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that NYSC members were among passengers abducted after two buses came under attack along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha on Thursday morning. The police said the buses were carrying corps members and other passengers travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State.
According to police spokesperson Henry Okoye, the attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on October 1, 2026. Security operatives recovered both buses and rescued 10 victims at the scene, while the command said it was still verifying the total number of people who were taken away. Tactical teams and other security agencies have continued search operations aimed at locating the remaining victims and the suspected attackers.
Police Commissioner Audu Bosso and other security commanders visited the scene to assess the situation and coordinate the response. The affected section of the expressway has since reopened, with security personnel deployed along the route, while the police said it is working with the NYSC to keep the families of affected corps members informed as the operation continues.
