The Owerri-Onitsha expressway has been reopened to traffic after a coordinated security operation following an attack on two buses conveying NYSC corps members and other passengers, with 10 abducted persons rescued.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday around the Umunoha axis of the highway, where suspected armed men attacked the buses travelling from Ibadan to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State.
The Imo State Police Command said the operation involved tactical teams and other security agencies, resulting in the recovery of the two buses and rescue of the victims at the scene.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri on Thursday, adding that the rescued persons were safe and receiving attention from security authorities.
He said the exact number of persons initially abducted was still being verified, noting that the Command would release the confirmed figure when the verification was concluded.
Okoye said security operatives had commenced coordinated search and rescue operations, supported by intelligence-led tracking, to locate any other persons who might have been taken during the attack and apprehend the suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, and other Service Commanders visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and to provide operational direction, according to the statement.
The Command also said it was working with the National Youth Service Corps Directorate to establish contact with the families of affected corps members and keep them informed about developments.
Although the affected section of the highway has been reopened, the police said security personnel would remain deployed in the area to protect commuters and prevent further attacks.
The Command appealed to motorists and other road users to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the ongoing operation.
It also urged members of the public with relevant information to contact the nearest police station or use the emergency lines provided by the Command.
