Gunmen abduct 20 corps members in Imo

Gunmen have abducted 20 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Umunoha community, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The corps members were reportedly travelling in a commercial bus from Ibadan, Oyo State, to different orientation camps across the South-East and South-South when the gunmen intercepted the vehicle.

The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with Channels Television.

Okoye said Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso had visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment.

He added that police and other security agencies had intensified efforts to rescue the victims safely and unconditionally.

According to him, security operatives are currently searching surrounding bushes, while a Rapid Response Team has been deployed to track down the kidnappers and secure the release of the corps members.

The latest abduction comes weeks after gunmen attacked vehicles along the Aloma–Egane Expressway, where 11 people, including NYSC members, were reportedly abducted.

The victims were later rescued on August 31 by a joint operation involving the police, military, Department of State Services and other security personnel.

Authorities said the operation led to the rescue of eight male and 13 female abductees from Egume Forest in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State.