Gunmen Abduct 6 Defence Ministry Directors On Way To Abuja
The Federal Civil Service is in panic mode following the reported abduction of six Directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence by suspected gunmen along the Kaba–Lokoja highway.
The senior officers, who were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination, were reportedly intercepted on Monday by the assailants in what sources described as a well-coordinated ambush.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of public servants travelling long distances for official duties.
In a statement, the ASCSN President, Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, condemned the abduction and assured members that efforts were underway to secure the release of the victims.
According to the statement “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 had already mobilized its security operatives, who are taking urgent steps to ensure 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 current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks.”
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
