The kidnappers holding six senior directors from the Federal Ministry of Defence have demanded a ransom of ₦150 million, worsening the distress of their families, who say they have no means of raising such a large sum.
Family members told reporters that the ransom request has deepened their anxiety as they await the safe return of their relatives.
“We are still in shock over the incident, and now they are asking for ₦150 million to free all six of them. How can we gather such an amount? We are pleading with the abductors to release them without harm,” one relative lamented.
The victims Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C. Emeribe, Mrs. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C. Ladoye, Mrs. J. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine Essien were abducted on Monday, 10 November 2025, along the Kabba Lokoja road while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion exam.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria condemned the attack in a statement signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo. The union noted that the Ministry of Defence has already deployed security personnel to help secure the directors’ release.
It also reiterated its demand for decentralised promotion exams to minimise dangerous interstate journeys.
Security sources described the incident as a “highly coordinated operation,” raising further concerns about the safety of government workers on official duties.
Meanwhile, the victims’ families continue to appeal to the abductors to show compassion and let their loved ones go unharmed.
