Edith CHUKU
Condemnations have trailed the kidnap of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps NYSC members who were adopted along the Owerri-Onitsha Road, near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Igbo National Council INC, condemned the incident which happened on Thursday, and urged the police to involve community vigilante in search for the abducted NYSC members.
INC stated this in a release made available to TNN on Sunday, by the President, Mr Chilos Godsent.
The Igbo group also appealed to members of the public for information to ensure the safe return of the corps members.
“The Igbo National Council (INC) Worldwide strongly condemns the reported abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members along the Owerri–Onitsha Road near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, 1st October, 2026.
“The victims were reportedly travelling from Ibadan to various NYSC orientation camps in the South-East and South-South when the vehicles conveying them were attacked by kidnapping.
“INC commended the IGP for the quick response by deploying operatives to the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, DSS and other security agencies to immediately locate and rescue the victims. We particularly welcome the deployment of additional police leadership and tactical teams to strengthen the operation.
“However, INC urgently calls on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to incorporate credible, properly vetted and coordinated Community Vigilantes into the ongoing rescue operations, particularly those with detailed knowledge of the surrounding forests, bushes, communities, routes and difficult terrains.”
INC expressed the belief that “community-based security personnel can provide valuable local intelligence and guide conventional security forces through areas that may be difficult to identify or access without local knowledge.
“Their involvement should, however, be properly coordinated under the command structure of the conventional security agencies to ensure operational discipline, safety and effectiveness.
“INC further urges the security agencies to sustain the search-and-rescue operation until all victims are safely recovered. Strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance around Umunoha and adjoining communities. Engage traditional rulers, community leaders and credible local security structures for actionable information.”
Further, the group urged security agencies to ensure the protection of commuters and residents along the Owerri–Onitsha corridor.
Also, that they should keep the public and families of the affected victims adequately informed of developments.
“Ensure that the perpetrators, when apprehended, are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
“On the foregoing, INC appeals to residents and members of the public who possess credible information capable of assisting the rescue operation to promptly share such information with the appropriate security authorities.
“The Igbo National Council (INC) Worldwide stands in solidarity with the affected families and calls for the safe, unconditional and immediate rescue of all the victims.”
