GUNMEN ATTACK TWO BUSES, ABDUCT PASSENGERS ALONG OWERRI–ONITSHA ROAD

Passengers travelling along the Owerri–Onitsha Road in Imo State were reportedly abducted after gunmen attacked two commercial buses in the early hours of Thursday, October 1, 2026.

The incident occurred around the Umunoha area of Mbaitoli Local Government Area, according to reports emerging from the scene. The attack has generated concern among travellers and families, particularly because the route is an important connection between communities and commercial centres in the South-East.

TWO COMMERCIAL BUSES ATTACKED

Early reports indicate that armed men intercepted two 18-seater commercial buses travelling along the highway.

The passengers were reportedly forced out of the vehicles and taken into a nearby bush after the attackers allegedly robbed them of their belongings.

Videos and photographs from the scene showed the buses abandoned along the roadside after the attack. One of the vehicles was identified as belonging to Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nig. Ltd., bearing the registration number Uko/133.

The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the precise number of passengers taken away, were initially unclear as reports emerged.

NYSC MEMBERS AMONG THOSE ABDUCTED

The passengers were not reported to be exclusively National Youth Service Corps members. NYSC members were among the travellers affected by the incident.

Reports indicate that some corps members were travelling from Ibadan towards orientation camps in different South-East and South-South states when the buses were intercepted.

Channels Television, citing the Imo State Police Command, later reported that 20 NYSC members had been abducted while travelling towards various orientation camps. The figure should not be treated as the total number of passengers abducted in the wider bus attack because other travellers were also reportedly involved.

POLICE BEGIN SEARCH OPERATION

Following the attack, security agencies moved into the area as efforts began to locate the abducted passengers.

Imo State Police Commissioner Audu Bosso reportedly visited the scene, while police operatives and other security agencies intensified search operations in the surrounding areas.

A Rapid Response Team was also deployed to assist in tracking the attackers and securing the safe release of the victims.

As of the latest available reports, there had been no confirmed announcement of the arrest of the attackers or the rescue of all the abducted passengers.

FAMILIES WAIT FOR NEWS

The incident has left families anxious as they attempt to establish contact with relatives who were travelling on the affected buses.

Reports also indicate that some families became concerned after losing contact with relatives travelling towards the South-East. The uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts of the victims has increased calls for swift action by security agencies.

SECURITY CONCERNS ON THE ROUTE

The reported attack has renewed concerns about the safety of motorists and passengers using the Owerri–Onitsha corridor, particularly during early-morning journeys.

The road serves as an important transportation route connecting parts of Imo, Anambra and neighbouring states, making security along the corridor significant for thousands of commercial and private travellers.

For now, security agencies are continuing efforts to locate the abducted passengers and identify those responsible for the attack.

The latest information confirms that two commercial buses were attacked and passengers were abducted, with NYSC members among those affected. Further official updates are expected as the search and rescue operation continues.