By John Dike, Osogbo
Six directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence have been kidnapped by suspected gunmen along the Kabba–Lokoja highway.
They were reportedly travelling from Lagos to Abuja on Monday to participate in a promotion examination when they were intercepted in an ambush.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja, the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Joshua Apebo, condemned the abduction and assured members that urgent 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 union disclosed that the Defence Ministry had already mobilized its security operatives and was working closely with other agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted officials.
ASCSN also renewed its call on the Federal Civil Service Commission to decentralize promotion examinations and conduct them across states to reduce the risks faced by public servants.
“We have consistently advised the Commission to hold examinations at zonal or state levels instead of compelling employees to travel to Abuja,” the union noted. “The current security challenges and poor road conditions expose workers to grave danger.”
