The Owerri–Onitsha Road abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members has prompted calls for intensified search and rescue efforts in Imo State.
The Igbo National Council (INC) Worldwide said the prospective corps members were abducted along the Owerri–Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area on Thursday, 1 October 2026.
According to the group, the victims were travelling from Ibadan to NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South when attackers intercepted the vehicles carrying them.
The INC said the Inspector-General of Police, along with other security agencies, had deployed personnel to locate and rescue the victims.
It also welcomed the deployment of additional police leadership and tactical teams to support the operation.
However, the group called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to involve credible and properly vetted community vigilantes in the search.
It said local security personnel could provide information about forests, bushes, routes and difficult terrain around the area.
The INC said any involvement of community vigilantes should remain under the command and coordination of conventional security agencies.
Meanwhile, the group urged security agencies to continue the search until all the victims are rescued.
It also called for increased intelligence gathering and surveillance around Umunoha and neighbouring communities.
In addition, the INC asked security agencies to work with traditional rulers, community leaders and credible local security structures.
The group also urged authorities to protect commuters and residents along the Owerri–Onitsha corridor and keep the victims’ families informed about developments.
The INC appealed to residents with credible information about the victims or their abductors to contact the appropriate security authorities.
It also called for anyone arrested in connection with the Owerri–Onitsha Road abduction to face prosecution according to Nigerian law.
The statement was signed by Chilos Godsent, President of the Igbo National Council Worldwide, on 4 October 2026.
