Gunmen have abducted 20 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling to their various orientation camps in the South-East and South-South, raising fresh concerns over the safety of corps members on interstate journeys.
The victims were reportedly travelling in a commercial bus from Ibadan, Oyo State, when the attackers intercepted the vehicle along the Owerri–Onitsha Road near Umunoha community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with Channels TV on Thursday, saying the corps members were on their way to different orientation camps when they were attacked.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment as security agencies launched a coordinated operation to secure the victims’ safe and unconditional release.
Okoye said security personnel were combing surrounding bushes and possible escape routes in search of the abductors, while a Rapid Response Team had been deployed to track the attackers and facilitate the rescue operation.
The latest incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks targeting travellers and corps members along major highways. It also comes weeks after security forces rescued abducted corps members and other passengers following an attack on vehicles along the Aloma–Egane Expressway in Kogi State.
The Kogi attack occurred at about 4:40 p.m. on August 26 around Ogene Zaria, near the Ogene Zaria–Onicha-Igo Junction, where armed men reportedly emerged from a bush and blocked two buses travelling in opposite directions.
Some passengers were abducted during the attack, while others escaped into the surrounding bush. Joint security forces comprising the police, military, Department of State Services, and other auxiliary personnel subsequently launched a search operation.
The victims were rescued on August 31 from Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State following a coordinated operation.
The recurring attacks have highlighted the security risks faced by young Nigerians travelling to orientation camps, particularly those moving across state lines to commence their compulsory national service.
