- Four Defence Directors Freed, Two Feared Dead After Kogi Kidnap Ordeal.
- Attack occurred on Kabba Lokoja highway during travel for promotion exams.
- Union demands decentralised examinations due to rising nationwide insecurity.
Four of the six female directors of the Ministry of Defence kidnapped in Kogi State have regained freedom after nearly two weeks in captivity, while two others are feared dead from exhaustion during the ordeal.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters confirmed that the freed officials were forced to trek long distances through the Kogi forest corridor into Kaduna State before reaching safety.
Two of the victims, Mrs C.A. Emeribe and Mrs J.A. Onwuzurike, reportedly died during the journey, unable to withstand the harsh conditions they were subjected to.
The source said, “I learned they have been released, but two of them unfortunately couldn’t make it. They died out of exhaustion after trekking from Kogi to Kaduna through the forest. The remaining four are currently undergoing medical examinations.”
The six officials, identified as Mrs Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs C.A. Emeribe, Mrs C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs C.A. Ladoye, Mrs J.A. Onwuzurike and Mrs Catherine O. Essien, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion course and examination when they were ambushed.
The attack occurred on Monday, November 10, 2025, along the Kabba Lokoja highway. Armed men intercepted their vehicle in what security operatives later described as a coordinated operation. The victims were taken into the forest and held under severe conditions, with limited food, water and rest.
“They spent almost two weeks with their abductors in the forest. It was a terrible experience,” the source added.
The incident triggered anxiety within the Ministry of Defence and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria. In a statement jointly signed by the Association’s President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, the group confirmed the names of the abducted directors and condemned the attack.
“These Directors, who are members of our Union and staff of Command Day Secondary School Ojo Lagos, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped,” the statement read.
The union said the Defence Ministry deployed security operatives and activated emergency procedures to secure their release. It also criticised the Federal Civil Service Commission for requiring civil servants to travel long distances for promotion examinations despite worsening insecurity.
“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations in the states. The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks,” the statement added.
The Association warned that unless the government decentralises promotion and verification exercises, more tragedies may occur. Authorities are expected to provide an update on the condition of the freed officials in the coming days.
