The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has raised the alarm over the abduction of six directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence, who were kidnapped on Monday, November 10, while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a directorate-level promotion examination.
In a statement jointly signed by ASCSN President Shehu Mohammed and Secretary-General Joshua Apebo, the union identified the victims 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.
The statement revealed that the victims, who are staff of Command Day Secondary School (CDSS), Ojo, Lagos, were ambushed by armed men along their route to Abuja. Sources described the incident as a well-coordinated attack.
“These directors, who are members of our union and staff of CDSS Ojo, were travelling from Lagos to Abuja when they were kidnapped,” the union said.
The ASCSN noted that the Ministry of Defence has since mobilised security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted officials.
The union also renewed its call for the decentralisation of promotion and verification exercises, stressing that requiring civil servants to travel long distances to Abuja exposes them to unnecessary danger amid worsening insecurity.
“We have always advised the Federal Civil Service Commission to conduct promotion examinations within the states rather than compel employees to travel to Abuja. The current security situation and deplorable road conditions expose workers to grave risks,” the statement added.
Security operatives are reportedly combing suspected hideouts in Kogi State, where the incident occurred. The state has recorded a surge in kidnapping incidents in recent months.
The ASCSN commended the Defence authorities for their swift response and urged all security agencies to “leave no stone unturned” in securing the release of the abducted officials.