No fewer than 19 people were abducted on Monday in two separate attacks carried out by armed men in Rivers and Imo states, heightening concerns over rising insecurity in the region.
In Rivers State, five students of the Rivers State University (RSU) were reportedly kidnapped while traveling along the Ogoni axis. The victims were said to be on their way back to Port Harcourt when their vehicle was intercepted by gunmen who whisked them into the forest. Local sources say the attack caused panic among commuters as security operatives later launched a search operation.
In a related incident in Imo State, suspected gunmen ambushed a commercial bus traveling along the Owerri–Aba Road and abducted 14 passengers. Witnesses said the attackers halted the bus at gunpoint, ordered all passengers out, and marched them into the bush before fleeing with them.
Families of the victims and community leaders have called on security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and increase patrols along the affected routes. Authorities in both states have not yet provided official statements, but security personnel are reportedly working to track the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.
The incidents have renewed public outcry over persistent highway kidnappings across the South-East and South-South regions.
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