Amanze Chinonye
Gunmen abducted 20 prospective members of Nigeria’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) early on Thursday after stopping two commercial buses travelling from Ibadan to the NYSC orientation camp in Akwa Ibom state, the transport company told Prime Business Africa.
The two Hiace buses, operated by Uko Akwa Ibom Motors Nigeria Ltd, had boarded their passengers in Ibadan and were headed to the NYSC camp in Akwa Ibom when they were stopped at about 5:30 a.m. near Okpaaku village in the Owerri area of Imo state, according to the company and an eyewitness who spoke to this newspaper.
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The buses were carrying a combined 30 passengers, with 15 passengers in each vehicle. The 20 passengers abducted were all prospective NYSC members travelling to the Akwa Ibom camp, while the remaining 10 passengers were left behind and subsequently conveyed safely to the camp, the transport company said.
According to an eyewitness, military and police personnel were searching nearby bushes for the abducted passengers as part of efforts to locate and rescue them.
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The identities of the attackers have not been established. Some accounts described them as Fulani herdsmen, but security agencies have yet to publicly confirm that description.
The incident adds to security concerns along major transport routes in southeastern Nigeria, where travellers have faced periodic attacks and abductions.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
