Social Democratic Party presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo has urged security agencies to rescue NYSC members abducted in Imo State.
Adebayo called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security authorities to intensify efforts to secure the victims. His call followed the October 1 attack on buses carrying prospective corps members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Road.
Adebayo Demands Urgent Rescue Operation
The prospective corps members were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in the South-East and South-South.
Police said two buses came under attack around 6:30 a.m. near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. One bus was travelling towards Bende, Abia State, while the other was heading to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The Imo State Police Command said 10 victims were rescued after security operatives responded to the attack. The command also recovered the two buses and launched a coordinated search for those still missing.
Adebayo condemned the attack in a statement issued by Mark Adebayo, Head of Media and Communications for the Adewole Adebayo-Bugaje Presidential Campaign. He described the incident as an unacceptable attack on young Nigerians travelling to begin their national service.
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SDP Candidate Calls for Rapid Response
Adebayo urged the Inspector-General of Police, military authorities and the Imo State Commissioner of Police to deploy available rapid-response resources.
He said security agencies should act quickly because of the vulnerability of the abducted corps members. He also called for sustained operations until the remaining victims are safely recovered.
“This cowardly attack on young citizens serving their fatherland is an unacceptable assault on the nation’s future,” Adebayo said.
He further called on security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the suspected abductors. According to him, the rescue operation should remain a priority until every affected corps member is accounted for.
The police have also said they are conducting intelligence-led tracking operations around the area. Security personnel are searching surrounding locations as efforts continue to locate the remaining victims and arrest the suspected attackers.
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Adebayo Appeals to Three Governors
The SDP candidate also appealed to the governors of Anambra, Abia and Imo states.
He urged the three state governments to prioritise the rescue operation and support the security agencies involved. Adebayo also called for available state security resources to be directed towards the search for the abducted corps members.
“I am calling on the Governors of Anambra, Abia, and Imo states to drop everything they are doing right now,” he said. He also urged the governors to set aside political disagreements while rescue efforts continue.
Adebayo said the safety and welfare of citizens should remain a central responsibility of government. He argued that the immediate priority should be the safe recovery of the young Nigerians affected by the attack.
His comments come as security agencies continue operations around the Owerri-Onitsha corridor. The police have asked members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the investigation.
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Police Confirm 10 Victims Rescued
The Imo State Police Command has confirmed that 10 victims were rescued after the attack.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye said the rescued victims were safe and receiving attention. He added that the exact number of people still in captivity was being verified before an official figure would be released.
The command said tactical teams and other operational assets had been deployed. It also said the operation involved coordinated search-and-rescue efforts supported by intelligence-led tracking.
Imo Commissioner of Police Audu Bosso visited the scene alongside other security commanders. He provided operational direction and assured the public that the search would continue until the victims were recovered.
The police also said they were working with the NYSC Directorate to contact families of the affected corps members. Families are expected to receive updates as the rescue operation progresses.
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Owerri-Onitsha Road Reopened
The affected section of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway has since reopened to traffic.
Security personnel remain deployed along the route to protect commuters. The police have also appealed to residents and road users to remain calm and provide useful information to security authorities.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the safety of young graduates travelling to NYSC orientation camps. It also comes weeks after security forces rescued corps members and other passengers abducted in Kogi State.
In that earlier incident, security forces conducted a coordinated operation that led to the rescue of the victims from Egume Forest. The operation involved personnel from multiple security agencies.
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Security Agencies Continue Search
The police have not yet released a final figure for those still in captivity.
This means reports giving a specific number of remaining abductees should be treated with caution until the Imo State Police Command confirms the figure. Police said they would make the number public once the verification process is complete.
The command has also maintained contact with the NYSC Directorate over the incident. This is intended to help authorities reach affected families and provide updates about the ongoing operation.
Adebayo’s call for urgent action therefore comes as security agencies continue their search. He wants the police and military authorities to sustain the operation until the remaining victims are safely recovered.
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Adebayo Says Government Must Prioritise Safety
Adebayo said government must place the security and welfare of citizens at the centre of its responsibilities.
He argued that the abduction of young Nigerians travelling for national service required an urgent response. He also maintained that political disagreements should not distract state authorities from the rescue effort.
“The primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of the people,” Adebayo said. He urged the affected state governments to concentrate on efforts to secure the safe return of the victims.
Meanwhile, the police continue to appeal for credible information that could assist the operation. The command said information provided by members of the public would be treated confidentially.
The incident has also renewed attention on the safety of prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps. The affected families are awaiting further information as security agencies continue their search.
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Rescue Efforts Remain Ongoing
The Imo State Police Command has said its operation will continue until the remaining victims are recovered.
Ten victims have already been rescued, while the police are still verifying the total number of people abducted during the attack. The command has also deployed tactical teams to support the search and rescue operation.
Adebayo has now joined the calls for stronger action from security agencies and the governments of Imo, Abia and Anambra states. His appeal focuses on the immediate recovery of the affected corps members and other passengers.
The attack occurred as prospective NYSC members travelled from Ibadan to report for orientation. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the rescue operation continues.
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The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and share credible information with security authorities. The immediate focus remains the safe recovery of those still missing and the arrest of the suspected abductors.
