BREAKING:  4 abducted directors regain freedom, 2 others reportedly die from exhaustion

Four senior female directors of the Ministry of Defence who were abducted in Kogi State have regained their freedom after spending nearly two weeks in captivity.

The officials, who were seized while travelling for a promotion course and examinations, reportedly trekked through forest paths in Kogi before reaching Kaduna State.

The group of six women — Mrs. Ngozi Ibeziakor, Mrs. C.A. Emeribe, Mrs. C. Helen Ezeakor, Mrs. C.A. Ladoye, Mrs. J.A. Onwuzurike, and Mrs. Catherine O. Essien — was intercepted by armed men who forced them into the forest. All six are senior staff members of the Defence Ministry.

According to a report by Sahara Reporters, a source familiar with the incident said the ordeal lasted close to two weeks, with the women enduring extreme physical hardship during the long treks imposed by their captors.

However, two of the victims were feared dead. Their deaths were attributed to exhaustion during the forced journey, though the online newspaper said it has not independently confirmed the claim.

“I learned they have been released, but two of them unfortunately couldn’t make it,” the source said. “They died out of exhaustion after trekking from Kogi to Kaduna through the forest. The remaining four are currently undergoing medical examinations.”

The source further explained that the victims were subjected to severe deprivation in captivity, including limited access to food, water, and rest — conditions believed to have contributed to the deaths.

“They spent almost two weeks with their abductors in the forest. It was a terrible experience,” the source added.

Efforts to reach the Defence Headquarters spokesperson, Brigadier General Samaila, were unsuccessful, as calls and messages were not returned.

It was earlier reported that the Ministry of Defence was thrown into panic after six directors were ambushed along the Kabba–Lokoja highway on November 10, 2025. The officials were travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a Directorate-level promotion examination when they were seized in what security operatives described as a “well-coordinated attack.”

The incident has sparked alarm across the Defence Ministry and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN). In a statement signed by ASCSN President, Shehu Mohammed, and Secretary-General, Joshua Apebo, the union condemned the attack and confirmed the identities of the kidnapped directors.

(SAHARA REPORTERS)