On October 1, 2026, gunmen attacked two buses carrying prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State, abducting 19 graduates. The buses, operated by Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, were travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State. The abduction occurred at about 6:30 a.m. near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded ₦950 million for the release of the 19 victims, with ₦50 million required for each graduate. The Managing Director of Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Limited, Isiah Akpan, confirmed the ransom demand. According to Akpan, the buses had left Bodija/Samonda Park in Ibadan on Wednesday, October 1, but were delayed by heavy traffic around Benin, Edo State.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed the attack and reported that two buses were recovered and 10 victims were rescued following a swift response by security agencies. Tactical teams and other security agencies were deployed for a coordinated search-and-rescue operation to locate the remaining victims and track the attackers.
Families of the abducted graduates have expressed deep worry over the ransom demand. Some relatives reported that the kidnappers had contacted them directly, using the victims' phones to demand ransom. One parent, Mrs Oladosu, said her daughter, Greatness, was among those travelling to Uyo, and the kidnappers used her daughter's phone to call the family.
The mother of another victim, Akande Farouq, said her son, who was posted to Abia State, managed to send a brief message to the family's WhatsApp group before his phone became unreachable. The message contained just one word: “Kidnappers!” The attack has heightened concerns over the safety of young graduates travelling across states to report for the compulsory national service.
Security agencies are continuing efforts to locate those still in captivity and secure their safe release. The reported ₦950 million ransom demand has added to the anxiety of families awaiting news of their loved ones. The incident has also raised concerns about the security of travellers on Nigerian roads.
The NYSC has not commented on the incident, but the police and other security agencies are working to secure the release of the abducted graduates. The kidnapping has sparked widespread concern and calls for improved security measures to protect travellers, especially young graduates participating in the national service.
Key points
- Kidnappers demanded ₦950 million for the release of 19 NYSC members abducted in Imo State.
- The abducted graduates were travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Uyo and Bende.
- 10 victims were rescued, and security agencies continue to search for those still in captivity.
