RismadarVoice Reporters
October 4, 2026
Security agencies have intensified efforts to rescue 19 prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The victims were travelling in two commercial buses from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, when gunmen attacked the vehicles around Umunoha, Ogbaku, on Thursday morning.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said security operatives were continuing efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
“We’re conducting the operation and gradually closing in. We will keep you posted,” Okoye said.
The Public Relations Officer of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Major Hashimu Abdullahi, also confirmed that security agencies were coordinating efforts to secure the release of the abducted travellers.
Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, had earlier said security operatives had obtained information about the area where the victims were believed to be held.
He said surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations were underway, while security agencies were taking precautions because of potential dangers within the area.
The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, said 19 passengers, identified as prospective corps members, were taken away during the attack.
According to him, the drivers escaped and alerted security personnel, prompting a search operation.
Reports from the affected families indicate that the abductors have demanded ₦50 million for each victim, potentially bringing the total demand to ₦950 million. Authorities have not independently confirmed the ransom figure.
Some relatives said they had received calls concerning the abducted corps members.
Parents and relatives of the victims have also appealed for urgent intervention, including during a recent visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the affected families, Alhaja Akande and Oyebola Akande appealed to traditional authorities and security agencies to assist in securing the safe release of the victims.
Security agencies have maintained that operations are continuing, with further information expected as developments emerge.
