Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Nigeria’s worsening insecurity came to the fore again on Monday following the abduction of six directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence by gunmen along the Kabba–Lokoja highway.
The incident occurred as the officials were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination.
Sources said the victims were intercepted in what appeared to be a well-coordinated ambush, sending shockwaves through the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).
Disclosing the development in a statement, ASCSN President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, assured members that efforts were underway to secure the release of the victims.
The union condemned the incident and expressed concern over the condition of the abducted officials, who were identified as 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 statement read.
According to the ASCSN, the Defence Ministry has already mobilized its security operatives, who are taking urgent steps to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted officials.
“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states instead of compelling public servants to travel long distances to Abuja,” the statement added.
“The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks.”
The union urged the government to decentralize all promotion and verification exercises henceforth, warning that continued disregard for safety concerns could lead to further tragedies.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence 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 officials.
