It was drama on the expressway as the Imo State Police Command rescued 10 passengers abducted by gunmen who attacked two commercial buses at Umunoha “No Man’s Land” in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State.
The buses were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom, and Bende, Abia State respectively, when they were attacked around 6:30am on Thursday.
Among those abducted were serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident.
“Following a swift response by the police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene. The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to,” Okoye said.
He said the exact number of abducted passengers is still being verified and will be made public once confirmed.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, alongside other service commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and gave operational direction.
“He assured the public that the Command will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice,” Okoye said.
Tactical teams and operational assets have been deployed, with intelligence-led tracking ongoing. Police are working with sister agencies, including the Army, DSS, and NSCDC.
The Command said it is working with the *NYSC Directorate* to contact families of affected corps members and keep them informed.
The affected section of the Owerri-Ibadan expressway has been reopened and traffic is flowing, but heavy security remains.
The Command appealed for calm:
“Anyone with credible information should report to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s emergency lines. All information will be treated in confidence.”
The search-and-rescue operation continues to free remaining captives.
