Security Forces Rescue 10 Abducted Corps Members in Imo, Hunt Ongoing for Others

By Omoyeni Ojeifo

A swift security response to the abduction of NYSC corps members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in the early hours of Thursday has led to the rescue of 10 victims in Imo State.

PerSecondNews reported that the victims were among passengers travelling in two buses from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, when attackers intercepted their vehicles along near the Umunoha community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, with reports indicating that 20 corps members were abducted while travelling to orientation camps in the South-East and South-South.

The Imo State Police Command, while confirming the rescue, said tactical teams and other operational assets were deployed in a coordinated search-and-rescue operation after the attack.

State Police command’s spokesman Henry Okoye, dislcosed that the rescued victims were safe and receiving attention, while efforts were underway to establish the exact number of people still unaccounted for.

“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 Command said.

According to the command, Security personnel are also using intelligence-led tracking to locate the suspected abductors and secure the release of the remaining victims.

Police Commissioner Audu Bosso, along with other service commanders, visited the scene to assess the situation and provide operational direction to the teams involved in the rescue effort.

The command assured that the operation would continue until all victims were recovered and the suspects responsible for the attack were brought to justice.

The affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has since been reopened, with traffic flowing normally as security personnel remain deployed to protect commuters.

“The police are also in talks with the NYSC directorate to contact the families of the affected corps members and keep them informed about developments in the ongoing operation,” it noted.

The Command appealed to members of the public to remain calm and vigilant and provide credible information capable of assisting security agencies in locating the remaining victims and suspects.

It assured that information supplied by members of the public would be treated confidentially, adding that further updates would be provided as the operation progresses.