Kidnappers demand N150m to free six abducted defence ministry directors 

The abductors of six director of the Federal Ministry of Defence kidnapped earlier this month are demanding a ransom of N150 million for their release.

The kidnapped officials have been identified as Mrs Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs C. Emeribe, Mrs Helen Ezeakor, Mrs C. Ladoye, Mrs J. Onwuzurike, and Mrs Catherine Essien.

All six are senior members of ASCSN and staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS) in Ojo, Lagos.

The directors were seized on November 10, along the Kabba-Lokoja highway in Kogi State while travelling from Lagos to Abuja to participate in a Directorate-level promotion examination.

Eyewitnesses and sources familiar with the incident described the attack as a premeditated ambush by bandits who blocked the highway, leaving the officials with no means of escape.

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) condemned the abduction in a statement signed by its President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo.

The union also assured its members that every possible measure is being taken to secure the directors’ release.

ASCSN also said, “The Ministry of Defence has activated a coordinated response involving security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to expedite the safe recovery of the abducted directors.”