Gunmen attacked two buses carrying NYSC members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State on Thursday.
The assailants abducted an unspecified number of people. The police later rescued 10 victims and recovered the two buses, while a search operation continued for those still missing.
The attack occurred around 6:30 am near Umunoha as the buses travelled from Ibadan to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State.
The Imo State Police Command said its operatives, working with other security agencies, responded to the attack and recovered the two buses.
“The rescued victims are in safe hands and are being attended to,” it said, adding that the number of people abducted had yet to be established.
It said the police were searching for the abducted victims and pursuing the suspected attackers.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, and other security commanders visited the scene to assess the situation and direct the operation.
The command said tactical teams had been deployed for the search and rescue operation.
The police said they were also working with the NYSC Directorate to contact the families of affected corps members and provide updates.
The affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha expressway has been reopened to traffic, while security personnel remain deployed in the area.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report useful information to the nearest police station or through its emergency lines.
