Police rescue 10 passengers, recover buses in Imo

Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Bosso. Photo: Imo Police Command

The Imo State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers abducted by gunmen who attacked two commercial buses in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.

The command also recovered the two buses involved in the incident and intensified efforts to rescue other passengers still in captivity.

The buses, travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively, were attacked around 6:30am on Thursday at Umunoha, a location known as “No Man’s Land” in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state.

Among those abducted were some serving National Youth Service Corps members.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and said operatives were on the trail of the suspected abductors.

Okoye said the exact number of passengers abducted was yet to be established, adding that 10 victims had so far been rescued.

He said the rescued victims were safe and receiving necessary attention.

The police spokesperson said the command was conducting coordinated search-and-rescue operations, backed by intelligence-led tracking, to locate and rescue the remaining victims and apprehend the suspects.

He said the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, alongside other service commanders, had visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to provide operational direction.

Okoye added that the police, in collaboration with sister security agencies, had deployed tactical teams and operational assets to rescue the abducted corps members and other passengers.

He said the command would sustain the operation until all the victims were safely recovered and the suspects brought to justice.

According to him, the command was also working with the NYSC Directorate to contact the families of the affected corps members and keep them informed of developments.

The statement read, “Following a swift response by the police and other security agencies, both buses have been recovered and 10 victims were rescued at the scene. The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to.

“The exact number of persons abducted is being verified and will be made public once confirmed.

“The Commissioner of Police, alongside other Service Commanders, visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to give operational direction. He assured the public that the Command will sustain the operation until all victims are safely recovered and the suspects are brought to justice.

“The command is working with the NYSC Directorate to reach the families of the affected corps members, who will be kept informed as the situation develops.

“The affected section of the expressway has been reopened and traffic is flowing. Security personnel remain deployed to protect commuters.

“The Command appeals for calm and urges the public to remain vigilant. Anyone with credible information should report to the nearest police station or contact the Command’s emergency lines. All information will be treated in confidence.”