October 2, 2026
Tension has gripped families of prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members after gunmen attacked two buses conveying corps members and other passengers along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State, abducting an unconfirmed number of people.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, around Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Imo State Police Command, the buses were conveying prospective corps members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively.
The police said its operatives and other security agencies responded to the attack, recovering both buses and rescuing 10 victims at the scene.
However, the command stressed that the exact number of people still in captivity was being verified, and would be officially released after confirmation.
Police Launch Rescue Operation
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, said tactical teams had been deployed to conduct coordinated search-and-rescue operations, supported by intelligence-led tracking of the suspected abductors.
The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, reportedly visited the scene alongside other security commanders to assess the situation and direct the operation.
Police said they would continue the operation until the remaining victims were safely rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
Conflicting Figures Emerge
Initial reports put the number of abducted prospective corps members at about 20, while other reports have cited different figures.
A later police statement said the total number was still being verified. This makes the police figure the more appropriate figure to rely on until authorities complete the verification process.
The incident has triggered anxiety among families who were expecting their children and relatives to arrive safely at their orientation camps.
The latest development also renews concerns over the security of young Nigerians travelling long distances to report for the mandatory NYSC orientation exercise.
UPDATE: As of the latest police statement reviewed for this report, 10 victims had been rescued, while security agencies were still searching for those who remained unaccounted for.
