The Oyo State Government has given an update on the abduction of corps members from the state who were travelling through Imo State. The government assured their families that efforts are ongoing to secure their safe release. Governor Seyi Makinde directed that necessary resources be made available to support efforts aimed at securing the victims. The corps members were among passengers travelling in two buses from Ibadan to destinations in the South-East and South-South when the vehicles were attacked by suspected gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State.
The incident occurred at about 6:30am on Thursday, October 1, 2026, around Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. The buses were reportedly travelling towards Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Bende, Abia State, respectively. Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed the government’s position in a statement issued in Ibadan. The government said it was working with security agencies, the Imo State Government, and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to respond to the incident and ensure that the abducted corps members are rescued.
The Oyo State Government said it had remained in contact with the relevant security agencies as well as authorities in Imo State and the NYSC leadership. The government said the communication was necessary to ensure that the response to the incident was coordinated and focused on securing the victims. Makinde reaffirmed that the safety and welfare of indigenes of Oyo State remained a priority, regardless of where they were located.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed that NYSC members and other passengers were abducted after the two buses came under attack. The command said security operatives responded to the incident and recovered both vehicles. Ten victims were also rescued at the scene. The police, however, said the exact number of people still in captivity was being verified.
The Imo Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, said tactical teams and other security personnel had been deployed to locate the abductors and rescue the remaining victims. The police urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant. The command also appealed to anyone with useful information about the whereabouts of the abductors or the remaining victims to contact the police.
The Oyo State Government appealed to the families of the abducted corps members to remain calm while security agencies continued the search and rescue operation. The government condemned the attack and described the abduction as distressing. The government said it remained concerned about the victims and would continue to engage with the relevant authorities until there is further progress on their release.
The police said the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Bosso, alongside other service commanders, visited the scene after the attack. The operation would continue until the remaining victims were recovered and those responsible for the attack were arrested. The command said it was working with the NYSC Directorate to establish contact with the families of the affected corps members and keep them informed as the situation develops.
Key points
- Oyo State Government assures families of kidnapped corps members of safe release
- Imo State Police Command confirms abduction, deploys tactical teams to rescue victims
- Government working with security agencies, NYSC to secure release of kidnapped corps members
