The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded the immediate release of Onyesom Peace Udoka, a newly called lawyer, her sister, and two others still in captivity following a kidnapping incident along the Okene–Benin highway in Kogi State.
Udoka and her sister were among a group of lawyers abducted on September 26, 2025, while returning to Benin, Edo State, after attending the Call to Bar ceremony held in Abuja three days earlier. The victims were seized along the Lokoja–Okene axis, a route notorious for abductions despite the presence of multiple police and military checkpoints.
NBA’s Reaction
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, condemned the abduction, describing it as “unacceptable and utterly condemnable.” He expressed deep concern that young lawyers, at a time meant for celebration, were instead subjected to such a traumatic experience.
“It is heartbreaking that at a time when our nation should be celebrating the future of the legal profession, young lawyers and their families are subjected to such harrowing ordeals. No family should have to endure this trauma, and no citizen should live under the constant fear of insecurity on our roads,” Osigwe said.
He called on the Federal Government and security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, to act with urgency to ensure the victims’ safe release and to restore public confidence in highway safety.
“The safety and security of Nigerians cannot continue to be treated with levity. It is the primary duty of the government to protect the lives of its citizens, and this duty must be discharged with the seriousness it deserves,” he added.
The NBA, Osigwe noted, stands in solidarity with the families of the victims and continues to pray for their safe return.
Police Response
Confirming the incident, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said that 12 persons were abducted along the Okene–Auchi Road. So far, eight victims have been rescued through a joint operation by the police and the military.
“Concerted efforts are in top gear to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining four victims,” Hundeyin assured.
The abduction has once again raised concerns about worsening insecurity on Nigerian highways, particularly routes linking the North and South.
