The kidnappers holding six senior directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence have demanded a ₦150 million ransom, plunging their families into deeper distress as they struggle to raise the money.
Relatives told journalists that the demand has worsened their ordeal and heightened their desperation for the safe return of their loved ones.
“We are still traumatised by what happened. Now the kidnappers are asking for ₦150 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,” a family member said.
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, November 10, 2025, along the Kabba–Lokoja highway while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination.
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 had already deployed security operatives to ensure the victims’ safe return.
It also reiterated its demand for decentralised promotion examinations to reduce risky interstate travel for civil servants.
Security sources have described the incident as a “well-coordinated attack,” raising fresh concerns about the safety of government workers on official duty.
Meanwhile, the victims’ families continue to appeal to the abductors to show compassion and release the captives unharmed.
