Suspected gunmen abducted six Federal Ministry of Defence directors, who were traveling from Lagos to Abuja for a promotion examination, on the Kaba–Lokoja highway Monday, November 10.
The incident prompted severe safety concerns, with both the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) expressing worry over the risks faced by personnel on long-distance official travel.
A joint statement from ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo condemned the abduction. The leaders reassured members that securing the officers’ release was a top priority.
“Those kidnapped are Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien. These Directors, who are members of our Union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped.”
The ASCSN disclosed that the Defence Ministry has launched a security operation aimed at the safe rescue of the abducted directors.
“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states instead of compelling public service employees to travel long distances to Abuja,” the statement said.
“The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks.”
The association called on the government to decentralize all promotion and verification exercises, cautioning that failure to address safety concerns would result in more tragedies.
The Ministry of Defence has intensified efforts, deploying specialized security teams to comb suspected hideouts around Kogi State in search of the victims. The ASCSN commended this swift response and urged all security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted officers.
