Precious Nwonu, Enugu

Former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government, Imo State Government and security agencies to urgently secure the release of prospective National Youth Service Corps members abducted in the state.

Atiku made the call on Monday in a post on X, describing the abduction as “heartbreaking” and urging authorities to ensure that all those still in captivity return home safely.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 1, when gunmen attacked two commercial buses carrying prospective corps members along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in the Umunoha area of Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The victims were travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states when the attackers struck at about 6:30am.

According to Atiku, some of the abducted travellers had been rescued, while others remained in captivity.

“The abduction of 20 travellers, including prospective corps members, in Imo State is heartbreaking. Some have been rescued, but others remain in captivity,” he said.

“I urge the Federal and Imo State governments, and all security agencies, to act with urgency and bring everyone still being held home safely.”

The Imo State Police Command initially reported that 10 passengers had been rescued and the two buses recovered, while other passengers were still missing. However, accounts from families later indicated that 20 prospective corps members were among those being held by the abductors.

Security agencies have since intensified efforts to locate and rescue the victims.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, deployed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, Shehu Nadada, alongside two commissioners of police, to coordinate the operation.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Bosso, also disclosed that security operatives had traced the suspected kidnappers to a bush hideout through intelligence gathering and drone surveillance.

The planned assault on the hideout was reportedly delayed after intelligence indicated that the area had been fitted with improvised explosive devices. Security agencies are expected to deploy specialised equipment to safely access the location.

Atiku also raised concerns over the continued captivity of schoolchildren abducted from Mussa and Lassa communities in Borno State.

He said more than 70 pupils and students abducted from the two communities remained in captivity, adding that their families deserved regular updates on efforts to secure their release.

The Mussa incident occurred on May 15 when suspected insurgents attacked schools in the Askira/Uba Local Government Area and abducted dozens of children. The number of missing pupils has varied, with the Borno State Government previously putting the figure at about 44.

On June 29, suspected insurgents attacked Government Day Secondary School in Lassa while students were taking their National Examinations Council examinations. Ten students were rescued during an immediate military operation, while subsequent reports indicated that 36 students and a teacher remained in captivity.

By late September, the Borno State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria was calling for the rescue of 78 schoolchildren from Mussa and Lassa who had spent more than 100 days in captivity.

Families and community leaders have repeatedly called for stronger government action to secure the release of the children.

Atiku also criticised the security record of the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that Nigerians remained vulnerable to attacks on roads, in communities and around schools despite previous assurances that funds saved from the removal of the fuel subsidy would strengthen national security.

He said the insecurity affecting young Nigerians extended from attacks on students to the abduction of prospective corps members travelling to orientation camps.

The ADC presidential candidate also questioned the award of pipeline security contracts to companies he described as politically connected, arguing that the government’s primary responsibility should be the protection of lives and property.