Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Suspected bandits on Monday evening hijacked an Aba-bound commercial bus at the Ngor Okpala axis of Imo State.
No fewer than 14 passengers were reportedly abducted after the gunmen, who emerged from the bush, shot sporadically and took control of the vehicle heading from Owerri to Aba.
Community sources said the sudden attack triggered pandemonium, as motorists reversed in panic while passengers fled in different directions.
“They came out of the bush and started shooting, then kidnapped passengers in a fully-loaded bus. Many people abandoned their vehicles and ran into the bush. The situation was terrifying,” a source said.
The same corridor has recorded multiple attacks in recent months. In May 2025, suspected herders abducted about 18 passengers there. Weeks later, more than 20 passengers were similarly kidnapped, with two persons killed.
Reacting, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Henry Okoye, said the incident had not yet been officially reported.
“The incident has not been reported to the Police. Nevertheless, the Commissioner of Police has deployed tactical units on robust fact-finding patrols along the Owerri–Aba Expressway. Further details will be communicated in due course,” he said.
