By Tgnews Reporter
The abductors of six senior directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence have demanded a staggering N150 million ransom for their release, plunging the victims’ families into heightened despair and uncertainty over securing the funds.
The demand has intensified the trauma for relatives, who are grappling with the emotional toll of the kidnapping while pleading for the safe return of their loved ones without further harm.
“We are still traumatised by what happened. Now the kidnappers are asking for N150 million to release all six of them. How can we possibly raise such a huge sum? We beg them to free our loved ones unharmed; that is all we can plead for at this point,” a family member confided to Daily Post.
The victims—Mrs Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs C. Emeribe, Mrs Helen Ezeakor, Mrs C. Ladoye, Mrs J. Onwuzurike, and Mrs Catherine Essien—were seized on Monday, November 10, 2025, along the Kabba–Lokoja highway. They were en route from Lagos to Abuja to participate in a Directorate-level promotion examination.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) swiftly condemned the incident in a statement issued by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo.
“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 statement read.
The union disclosed that the Ministry of Defence has mobilised its security operatives to collaborate with relevant agencies in efforts to rescue the abducted officials. It also reiterated longstanding calls for the decentralisation of promotion examinations to mitigate risks associated with long-distance travel.
“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 ASCSN added.
Security sources familiar with the matter described the abduction as a “well-coordinated attack,” underscoring growing vulnerabilities for civil servants undertaking official duties on Nigeria’s highways.
As investigations continue, the families remain in anguish, appealing directly to the kidnappers for compassion and the unconditional release of the directors. Authorities have urged the public to provide any information that could aid in resolving the crisis.
