Terrorists Hijack Two Buses, Kidnap 19 Prospective Corps Members, Others in Imo

Terrorists have hijacked two buses and abducted 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the Umunoha axis of Mbaitoli Local Government Area, as the passengers travelled from Ibadan to different NYSC orientation camps.

The two 18-seater buses were reportedly carrying prospective corps members travelling towards Akwa Ibom and Abia states when the attackers intercepted them.

According to accounts from the area, the attackers forced passengers out of the vehicles and marched them into a nearby bush before security personnel arrived at the scene.

A family member of one of the victims said the prospective corps members had left Samonda in Ibadan on Wednesday morning and stopped around Onitsha during the journey.

The family had been monitoring the passenger’s movement when communication suddenly stopped after a brief message reportedly reading, “Kidnappers!”

The victim’s mother said the family later confirmed that the vehicle was among those attacked, while the driver of one of the buses managed to escape.

Reports from the transport company and other sources have given differing figures on the number of people abducted and the exact destinations of the passengers. However, multiple reports have confirmed that passengers, including prospective corps members, were taken during the attack.

The incident has triggered anxiety among families of the affected passengers, with relatives appealing to security agencies and the NYSC management to intensify efforts to locate and rescue the victims.

The police in Imo State have acknowledged the incident and said efforts were underway to rescue those abducted.

The attack has also renewed concerns over the safety of prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps across the country, particularly on major interstate highways.

Security agencies are expected to continue search and rescue operations in the area as families await updates on the whereabouts and safety of their loved ones.