- Safiu Kehinde
The Imo State Police Command, has confirmed the abduction of several of prospective corp members on their way to the National Youths Service Corp (NYSC) orientation camps.
NPO Reported that two vehicles conveying the corp members from Ibadan to Akwa-Ibom and Abia State were in the early hours of Thursday attacked along he Owerri-Onitsha Road.
This was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday evening by the Imo Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye.
According to Okoye, the incident occurred at about 6:30am along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, by Umunoha.
The police spokesperson also disclosed that 10 vicitms had since been rescued with efforts underway to secure the release of others.
“Two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, were attacked by suspected armed men.
“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.” He said.
However, it is unclear the rescued vicitms are part of the abducted corp members or other passengers in the buses.
The police noted that the exact number of persons abducted is currently being verified while assuring that it will be made public once confirmed.
Meanwhile, Okoye said that the Imo Police Commissioner, Audu Garba Bosso, in collaboration with sister security agencies, has deployed tactical teams and operational assets to rescue the abducted corps members and other passengers and to arrest the suspected abductors.
“Operatives are conducting coordinated search and rescue operations, backed by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects.
“The Commissioner of Police, alongside other Service Commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to give 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.” The police spokesperson said
He further disclosed that the command is working with the NYSC Directorate to reach the families of the affected corps members, who will be kept informed as the situation develops.
The affected section of the expressway, according to Okoye. has been reopened with security personnel deployed to protect commuters.
The Command appeals for calm and urges the public to remain vigilant.
“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.
“Further updates will be issued as the situation progresses.” Okoye added.
