Amanze Chinonye
Six director-level officials of the Federal Ministry of Defence (FMOD) were abducted on Monday while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for an official promotion examination, triggering widespread alarm within the federal civil service and the nation’s security establishment.
The officials identified are :
- Mrs Ngozi Ibeziakor
- Mrs C.A. Emeribe
- Mrs Helen Ezeakor
- Mrs C.A. Ladoye
- Mrs J.A. Onwuzurike
- Mrs Catherine O. Essien
were seized along the Kabba–Lokoja highway in Kogi State, a corridor long plagued by armed attacks and kidnappings.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSecurity sources said the convoy was intercepted in what appeared to be a coordinated ambush, with the gunmen overpowering the officials and taking them into the surrounding forest. Precise details of how the attack unfolded remain unclear, but early reports indicate the victims were travelling in private vehicles rather than an escorted convoy.
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The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) confirmed the abduction in a statement signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, describing the incident as “shocking and unacceptable.”
The union also urged the federal government and security agencies to “act swiftly and decisively” to secure the release of the abducted directors.
The Ministry of Defence is said to have activated its internal security units, working alongside police and military operatives to track the abductors.
Search teams are combing suspected hideouts across the Kogi axis, though no breakthrough had been announced as of press time.
The incident has reignited concerns over the security risks faced by civil servants required to travel long distances for centralised examinations and official duties. ASCSN criticised the continued practice, warning that the unsafe state of Nigeria’s highways exposes government workers to unnecessary danger.
There has been no public claim of responsibility, and no information has emerged regarding ransom demands or the condition of the abducted officers.
The abduction adds to the growing list of violent incidents on the Kabba – Lokoja route, intensifying calls for a comprehensive security overhaul of major federal roads.
Further updates are expected as the rescue operation progresses.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
