The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called on the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the release of Onyesom Udoka, a newly inducted lawyer kidnapped along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State.

Udoka, who had just attended her Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja, was abducted on Friday alongside her sister and other passengers.

In a statement on Sunday, NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, condemned the incident as “unacceptable and utterly reprehensible,” stressing that no family should suffer such trauma during what should have been a moment of 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 NBA demanded immediate and coordinated action from the federal government and security agencies, not only to secure the victims’ release but also to tackle the worsening insecurity on Nigeria’s highways.

“The safety and security of Nigerians cannot continue to be treated with levity. Government must fulfill its primary duty of protecting lives with the seriousness it deserves,” the statement added.

Reports indicate that Udoka, a graduate of Ambrose Alli University and the Nigerian Law School, Enugu Campus, was traveling in a commercial bus headed for Benin City when gunmen struck.

A post on X (formerly Twitter) by a colleague confirmed the abduction, revealing that the kidnappers have demanded a ₦20 million ransom for Udoka and her sister.

The kidnapping underscores the alarming rise in violent attacks in Kogi State. On the same day, gunmen ambushed a commuter bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd, abducting all twelve passengers. Police later confirmed that a joint operation with the military rescued eight victims, while four remain in captivity.

The NBA pledged solidarity with Udoka’s family and vowed to support efforts aimed at improving citizens’ safety across the country.