Passengers, including some prospective corps members, reportedly travelling in two branded commercial buses, were on Thursday allegedly abducted by gunmen within Umunoha axis, on the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway in Imo State.
An eyewitness told newsmen, on the condition of anonymity, that the hoodlums attacked the travellers around 6am.
The account further explained that the victims were on a night journey from Ibadan, when their vehicle was attacked by the hoodlums.
The victims were said to have been forcefully marched into the bush at gun point.
“This is a terrible incident that has continued to recur unabated on this particular road.
“The Onitsha Road and the Ogbaku – Ejemkwuru-Izombe have become a dangerous route due to the activities of these criminals,” the account further explained.
Another account stated that no week would pass without one or multiple violent attacks and abduction of unsuspecting travellers.
The eyewitness, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, urged the Commissioner of Police to deploy anti-kidnapping operatives in the area to beef up security and safeguard the lives of travellers.
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to newsmen in Owerri.
Okoye said that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to rescue the victims and arrest the suspects.
“Two buses, conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers from Ibadan to Uyo, and Bende in Abia, 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,” he stated.
He further stated that the rescued victims were in safe hands and being attended to.
The statement also disclosed that the exact number of persons abducted was being verified and would be made public, once confirmed.
“Operatives are conducting coordinated search and rescue operation, backed by intelligence-led tracking of the suspects.
“The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, alongside other Service Commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to give operational direction,” he added.
He assured the public that the command would sustain the operation until all the victims had been safely rescued and the suspects brought to justice.
Okoye also hinted that the command was collaborating with the NYSC Directorate to reach the families of the affected corps members, who would be informed as developments unfolded.
He said the affected section of the expressway had been reopened to ensure free flow of traffic, while security personnel had been deployed to the road 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 utmost confidentiality,” he further stated.
