Ten Rescued After Gunmen Attack Two Buses, Abduct Passengers in Imo

Ten passengers have been rescued after gunmen attacked two commercial buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The attack occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday around Umunoha, popularly known as No Man’s Land, while the buses were travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State.

According to the Imo State Police Command, some of the passengers were prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps.

The police spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said 10 victims had so far been rescued and were safe and receiving the necessary attention.

The two buses involved in the incident have also been recovered.

However, the police said the exact number of passengers who were abducted was still being verified.

Earlier reports had suggested that about 20 people were kidnapped, but authorities have yet to confirm the figure.

The police said tactical teams, alongside personnel from other security agencies, were conducting coordinated search-and-rescue operations to locate anyone who might still be in captivity and arrest the suspected abductors.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, also visited the scene alongside other security commanders as efforts to secure the area and locate the remaining victims continued.

The affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has since been reopened to traffic, while security personnel remain deployed around the area.

The police said they were also working with the NYSC to keep the families of affected corps members informed as the rescue operation continues.