Former Presidential Candidate Demands Sustained Security Presence, Protection for Travellers and Justice for Victims
Port Harcourt, Nigeria | October 21, 2026
Former Presidential Candidate, Princess Bishop Professor Ambassador Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies, has called on His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, Governor of Imo State, to urgently strengthen security along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, particularly the Umunoha axis of Mbaitoli Local Government Area, following the reported abduction of 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members on October 1, 2026.
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Adesanya-Davies described the incident as a serious warning that demands sustained government attention, effective security coordination and decisive action to protect innocent travellers using the route.
She stressed that the safety of citizens travelling for education, national service, religious activities, business and other legitimate purposes must not be left to chance.
Remember the Scripture Union Members
The former presidential candidate recalled reports of the earlier abduction of Scripture Union members along the same route, warning that recurring kidnapping incidents on a major highway should prompt a comprehensive security review.
She emphasised that the reported incidents must not be treated as isolated events without examining the security vulnerabilities that allow criminal groups to target travellers.
“The Owerri–Onitsha Road must not become a route of fear for innocent Nigerians. We cannot afford to forget the reported abduction of Scripture Union members on this same corridor and now confront another disturbing incident involving prospective NYSC corps members. The time has come for sustained, visible and effective security measures,” Adesanya-Davies stated.
She appealed directly to Governor Hope Uzodimma to work closely with security agencies, neighbouring state authorities and relevant federal institutions to prevent further attacks.
Twenty Prospective Corps Members Rescued
According to reports of the October incident, gunmen intercepted two buses conveying 20 prospective corps members travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. The attack reportedly occurred near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Imo State.
The victims were subsequently rescued on October 7 following a joint security operation involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS). Reports indicated that the rescued individuals were taken for medical evaluation.
The subsequent reported arraignment of five suspects by the DSS before an Imo State High Court further underscores the need for a thorough judicial process and accountability.
Adesanya-Davies commended the security personnel involved in the rescue operation while stressing that rescuing victims, although essential, must be accompanied by preventive measures capable of stopping future kidnappings.
She urged the relevant authorities to ensure that investigations and prosecutions proceed in accordance with the law, while protecting the rights and welfare of the victims.
Her Demands to the Imo State Government
Adesanya-Davies called for the following urgent measures:
- Sustained Security Patrols: Increase regular and intelligence-led patrols along the Owerri–Onitsha Expressway, with particular attention to identified kidnapping hotspots.
- Strategic Security Deployment: Review vulnerable stretches of the road, including the Umunoha axis, and establish appropriate security arrangements based on intelligence assessments.
- Improved Emergency Response: Provide accessible emergency reporting channels and strengthen coordination among the police, military, DSS, lawful local vigilante structures and other relevant security bodies.
- Protection of Religious Travellers: Engage religious organisations, including Scripture Union and other Christian groups, to assess their security concerns and strengthen preventive arrangements for journeys and gatherings.
- Safe Passage for Corps Members: Work with NYSC authorities and transport operators to improve travel-risk assessments, emergency communication and security support for prospective corps members travelling through vulnerable areas.
- Accountability and Justice: Support lawful investigations, prosecution of suspects where evidence warrants it, and appropriate assistance for victims and their families.
- Sustained Public Communication: Keep residents and road users informed about credible security advisories without disclosing sensitive operational information.
“Security Must Be Measured by the Safety of the People”
Adesanya-Davies maintained that the responsibility of government extends beyond responding after an attack has occurred. In her view, public confidence depends on the ability of security institutions to prevent crime, respond promptly to emergencies and ensure that those responsible face justice through due process.
She also appealed to community leaders and residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information while avoiding rumours, vigilantism and the unlawful profiling of individuals or communities.
She urged transport operators and travellers to remain vigilant, follow available official safety advisories and report suspicious activities through appropriate channels.
A Direct Appeal to Governor Hope Uzodimma
Addressing the Imo State Governor, Adesanya-Davies declared:
“Your Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, I respectfully but firmly urge you to take the security of the Owerri–Onitsha Road seriously. The reported kidnapping of Scripture Union members on this corridor must remain a warning, not a forgotten episode. The subsequent abduction of prospective NYSC members reinforces the need for a coordinated and sustained response.
“Our young people should be able to travel to serve their nation without the fear of being kidnapped. Worshippers should be able to travel for Christian activities without unnecessary anxiety. Every Nigerian deserves the protection of life and dignity.
“I therefore call for stronger security deployment, effective intelligence-sharing, prompt emergency response and continuous monitoring of vulnerable locations along this road. Let prevention become a priority, and let the safety of every road user be treated as a public responsibility.
“Your Excellency, history will remember not only the rescue of those who were abducted, but also the preventive measures taken to ensure that other innocent Nigerians do not suffer the same ordeal. The people deserve a road they can travel on with confidence, not fear.”
Conclusion: Prevent the Next Abduction
Adesanya-Davies concluded by urging the Imo State Government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and host communities to work together to make the highway safer.
She expressed hope that the rescue of the prospective corps members would lead not merely to relief for the victims and their families, but also to lasting improvements in highway security.
She reiterated that the reported abduction of Scripture Union members and the more recent incident involving prospective NYSC members should serve as a compelling reason for the government to intensify preventive security measures along the route.
Her message is clear: the rescue of victims is essential, but preventing the next abduction must be the overriding priority.
Signed:
Bishop Professor Ambassador Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Former Presidential Candidate
Public Affairs and National Security Advocate
