Ten people abducted by gunmen along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State have been rescued as security agencies continue searching for other victims and the perpetrators.

The victims were among passengers taken away after two buses carrying prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other travellers came under attack around Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area on Thursday.

The Sun, citing Daily Sun, reported that the buses were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, towards Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State when the incident occurred. Initial reports had suggested that about 20 corps members were among those abducted.

The Imo State Police Command said the actual number of people taken into captivity was still being established. Police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, said the rescued victims were safe and receiving necessary attention, while efforts were ongoing to account for those still missing.

Security operatives have since expanded the search around the area, deploying tactical teams and other personnel to trace the suspected kidnappers and secure the release of any remaining victims. The Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, also visited the scene with other security commanders to coordinate the response.

The police said the affected portion of the expressway had been reopened, although security personnel remained deployed along the route to protect motorists and other road users. The command is also liaising with the NYSC authorities over contact with families of the affected corps members.

The report also recalled that security forces recently rescued 21 people, including 15 corps members, who were abducted in Kogi State.