Tension has gripped families across Oyo State following reports of unidentified gunmen attacking two 18-seater commercial buses and abducting passengers, including prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members travelling from Ibadan to the South-East, along the Owerri-Onitsha expressway on October 1, 2026.
The corps members were kidnapped by gunmen in Imo State on Thursday morning while on their way to their Abia orientation.
A family member of one victim, who spoke with Newspeakonline, said the ambush took place at roughly 6:30 a.m. on Thursday. The young graduates had set off from Samonda, Ibadan, at around 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday. They made an overnight stop in Imo State before resuming their journey early the next morning.
The corps members departed from Samonda, Ibadan, at about 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday and later stopped over in Imo State, where they spent the night.
Armed assailants intercepted the bus shortly after the group resumed their journey towards Abia State. The sudden attack has left relatives desperate for news, while security personnel launch initial checks across the area. The corps members were intercepted by the gunmen on Thursday morning while continuing their journey to Abia State.
This latest ambush highlights ongoing security risks for prospective corps members travelling across state lines. Families now urge security agencies to step up patrols along major highways connecting transit stops to orientation sites.
Credit: newspeakonline.com
