Tension In Kogi As Gunmen Kidnap Prominent Lawyer — NBA Raises Alarm

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the Federal Government and security agencies to move swiftly to secure the release of Onyesom Udoka, one of its newest members, who was abducted along the Lokoja-Okene highway in Kogi State.

Udoka, a graduate of Ambrose Alli University and the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, was kidnapped 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,” stressing that no family should be forced to endure such trauma during a period 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 lamented.

The NBA demanded urgent and coordinated action from security operatives and the federal government to ensure Udoka and the other victims regain their freedom unharmed. It also called for a stronger national strategy to combat worsening insecurity on Nigeria’s highways.

“The safety and security of Nigerians cannot continue to be treated with levity. It is the primary duty of government to protect the lives of its citizens, and this duty must be discharged with the seriousness it deserves,” the association stated.

The NBA further pledged solidarity with Udoka’s family and promised to support wider efforts to safeguard Nigerians from similar tragedies.

The abduction first came to light through a post on (formerly Twitter) by a lawyer who disclosed that 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. Udoka and her sister were travelling to Benin, Edo State, when their bus was attacked.

Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Command said gunmen ambushed a Big Joe Ventures commuter bus along the Lokoja-Okene axis on Friday, abducting all 12 passengers. Police spokesperson SP William Aya revealed that a joint operation by security forces had rescued eight victims, including the driver, while efforts continue to free the remaining four.