ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have foiled an attempt by gunmen to abduct 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were on their way to Lagos from Imo State.
The Corps members completed their orientation at NYSC camp in Eziama-Obaire, Nkwerre, Local Government Area of Imo and they were passing through Anambra when their vehicle was intercepted at Total junction in Ihiala by unidentified armed men in a white Toyota Hilux who took them hostage.
However, a quick distress call to the Police stopped the gunmen from going away with the corps members.
DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Anambra, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Awka.
He said that the Police operatives responded to a distress call along Isseke, Ihiala-Orlu expressway at 12:15. a.m. and rescued the 15 abducted corps members unhurt.
“Information reveals that the corps members finished their three weeks of orientation programme today and were en route to Lagos before their vehicle was intercepted at Total junction in Ihiala by unidentified armed men in a white Toyota Hilux.
“The corps members vehicle was diverted to Isseke, Ihiala-Orlu expressway where the gunmen kept them hostage.
“When the armed men noticed they were being followed by police operatives, they abandoned the corps members and zoomed off with the Toyota Hiace bus with Registration number EPE 353 YE,” he said.
Ikenga said that the corps members were debriefed and necessary arrangements have been made to convey them to their destinations.
NAN.