Gunmen Kidnap 20 NYSC Members on Imo Highway Attack

On October 1, gunmen abducted 20 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) while they were traveling in a commercial bus along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State. The corps members were en route from Ibadan, Oyo State, to various NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South regions when the attack occurred near Umunoha community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

The incident has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of corps members participating in the national service program. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident, stating that the Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, visited the scene for an assessment and has directed security operatives to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted corps members.

A security operation is currently underway, with operatives searching surrounding bushes and a Rapid Response Team deployed to track the kidnappers and ensure the victims' safe release.