Newsbreak: Six Top Defence Ministry Officials Kidnapped In Brazen Attack
By Samuel Ogunsona
Amidst the controversy over plans by the United States to attack terrorist cells in Nigeria, gunmen abducted the six senior Directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence.
The officials were travelling along the Kaba-Lokoja highway.
The development has sent shockwaves across the country.
The incident occurred more than 24 hours when the officials were traveling from Lagos to Abuja for a promotion examination.
The abducted directors are Ngozi Ibeziakor, C.A. Emeribe, C. Helen Ezeakor, C.A. Ladoye, J.A. Onwuzurike, and Catherine O. Essien.
They were intercepted by the assailants in a well-coordinated ambush. Locals who spoke to our correspondent said the abductors may not be unconnected with terrorists opening in the area.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) condemned the abduction and assured members that efforts were underway to secure the release of the victims.
According to the union’s President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, “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 current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks.”
The ASCSN urged the government to decentralize all promotion and verification exercises, warning that continued disregard for safety concerns could lead to further tragedies.
“Those kidnapped are members of our Union and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, who were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped.”
The Defence Ministry has reportedly intensified efforts to locate the victims, deploying specialized security teams to comb suspected hideouts around Kogi State.
The ASCSN commended the Defence authorities for their swift response and called on security agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring the safe return of the abducted officers.
