Police and other security agencies have launched an intensified search for victims still missing after suspected armed men attacked two buses carrying prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Imo State.
The Imo State Police Command said 10 victims were rescued, while the exact number of people still unaccounted for is being verified as security agencies continue search-and-rescue operations in the surrounding areas.
Key Highlights
- Police have launched a search for remaining victims after the attack.
- 10 victims were rescued, according to the Imo State Police Command.
- Two buses carrying prospective NYSC members and other passengers were attacked.
- The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on October 1, 2026.
- The attack happened near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
- Police are yet to confirm the exact number of people still missing.
- Tactical teams and other security agencies are conducting intelligence-led search operations.
- The affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Road has been reopened.
Police Launch Search for Remaining Victims
The Imo State Police Command said security agencies have intensified operations to locate and rescue victims who remain unaccounted for following the attack on two buses along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
The incident occurred at about 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 1, 2026, near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.
According to the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, the buses had departed from Ibadan, Oyo State, and were travelling to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Bende in Abia State respectively.
The vehicles were carrying prospective corps members travelling to NYSC orientation camps, alongside other passengers, when they were intercepted by suspected armed men.
10 Victims Rescued After Attack
Following the attack, police and sister security agencies responded to the scene and recovered both buses.
The Imo State Police Command said 10 victims were rescued and were reported to be safe and receiving attention.
However, authorities have not yet established the final number of people who may have been abducted during the incident.
The police said the number of missing persons remains subject to verification as security agencies continue their operations.
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Tactical Teams Search for Missing Passengers
The Commissioner of Police, CP Audu Garba Bosso, and other security commanders visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and directed further operational activities.
Tactical teams, including personnel from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, have been deployed to surrounding areas as part of the search for the remaining victims.
Security agencies are carrying out intelligence-led operations aimed at locating those still missing and identifying the suspected attackers.
The police command said the operation would continue until the remaining victims are recovered and the suspects responsible for the attack are arrested.
The command is also coordinating with the NYSC Directorate to establish contact with families of affected prospective corps members.
Police Yet to Confirm Number of Missing Victims
While the police have confirmed that 10 victims were rescued, early reports from relatives, eyewitnesses and media outlets suggested that more people may have been taken during the attack.
Some reports have cited figures ranging from 18 to 20 people, based on information attributed to transport company sources and relatives.
However, the police have not confirmed those figures.
The command said the precise number of people abducted or still missing would be established after its verification process is completed.
This means that the 10 people rescued should not be interpreted as the total number of victims involved in the incident.
Owerri-Onitsha Road Reopened
The affected stretch of the Owerri-Onitsha Road has since been reopened, with security personnel deployed to the area.
The continued security presence is aimed at protecting motorists and passengers while the search operation remains ongoing.
The attack occurred on Nigeria’s Independence Day, when young graduates were travelling to begin the mandatory national service programme.
Relatives of some of those still unaccounted for have appealed for information that could assist security agencies in locating their loved ones.
Personnel of the Nigerian Army under Operation UDO KA, alongside other security agencies, have also been reported to be participating in the ongoing search.
Police Appeal for Calm and Information
The Imo State Police Command has appealed to members of the public to remain calm while security agencies continue the search for the remaining victims.
The command also urged anyone with credible information about the incident, the missing passengers or the whereabouts of the suspected attackers to report immediately to the nearest police station or contact the appropriate police emergency lines.
Security agencies are expected to provide further updates as efforts to locate the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack continue. For more updates, follow us on X.
