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| Photo credit — NYSC |
The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were among passengers affected by an attack by suspected armed men along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway on Thursday morning.
According to the command, 10 victims have been rescued. The exact number of people still unaccounted for is being verified and will be released once confirmed.
Police spokesperson Okoye Henry stated that the incident took place around 6:30 a.m. near Umunoha. Two 18-seater buses carrying NYSC corps members and other passengers travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State were involved.
“The incident occurred at about 0630hrs on 1st October, 2026, along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, by Umunoha. 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,” the statement said.
Police and other security agencies responded quickly. Both buses were recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene. The rescued individuals are receiving care and are in safe hands.
Coordinated search and rescue operations continue, supported by intelligence efforts aimed at locating any remaining victims and apprehending the suspects. The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, together with other service commanders, visited the scene to assess the situation and direct operations.
The command is working with the NYSC directorate to contact the families of the affected corps members and keep them updated.
The affected section of the expressway has been reopened to traffic, and security personnel have been deployed along the route to protect road users.
The police appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain vigilant. Anyone with credible information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects is asked to report to the nearest police station or contact the command’s emergency lines. All information will be treated in confidence.
Samuel O. Sulaimon is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Naijapiz. He covers News, Sports, Finance, Faiths, Education, Technology.
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