The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of one of its newest members, Onyesom Udoka, who was abducted on the Lokoja-Okene highway in Kogi State.
Naija News understands that Udoka, a graduate of Ambrose Alli University and the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, was taken alongside her sister and other passengers while returning from her Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja last week.
In a statement on Sunday, NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), condemned the abduction as unacceptable and utterly condemnable.
He said no family should be forced to endure such trauma, especially at a time meant for celebration.
“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,” Osigwe said.
The association demanded a coordinated and immediate response from security agencies and the federal government to ensure Udoka and other victims are freed unharmed.
The NBA also called for a stronger national strategy to tackle insecurity on Nigerian highways, which has worsened in recent months.
“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,” the statement stressed.
The association pledged solidarity with Udoka’s family and vowed to support wider efforts aimed at safeguarding citizens from similar ordeals.
The incident first came to light through a post by Blue Lawyer on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter), who disclosed that the kidnappers had demanded a ₦20 million ransom for Udoka and her sister.
“My friend and colleague has been kidnapped on her way home from the Call To Bar ceremony. Please, we need help. There’s a 20 million naira ransom on her and her sister,” the post read.
The September 2025 Call to Bar ceremonies were held between September 23 and 25, after which the victims were travelling back to Benin, Edo State, when they were intercepted.
The Kogi State Police Command confirmed on Sunday that a commuter bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd was attacked on Friday along the same Lokoja-Okene axis.
The gunmen abducted all 12 passengers, but according to Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, a joint operation by police, military, and local vigilantes led to the rescue of eight victims, including the driver.
“Efforts are still underway to rescue the remaining four victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” Aya said.
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