The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for the immediate release of a newly called lawyer, Onyesom Peace Udoka, her sister, and two others still being held by kidnappers following an attack on the Okene-Benin highway in Kogi State.

Udoka and her sister were among a group of lawyers kidnapped on September 26, 2025, while returning to Benin, Edo State, from the Call to Bar ceremony held three days earlier in Abuja. The victims were abducted around the Lokoja–Okene axis, a route notorious for kidnappings despite the presence of over 10 police and military checkpoints.

NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, described the abduction as “unacceptable and utterly condemnable,” lamenting that young lawyers were being subjected to such trauma at a time meant for celebration.

He said: “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 urged the Federal Government and security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police, to act swiftly to ensure the safe release of the victims and 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 said.

He added that the NBA stood in solidarity with the families of the victims and prayed for their safe return.

Confirming the incident, Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, said 12 people were abducted along the Okene-Auchi Road, and eight have so far been rescued through a joint operation by the police and military.

“Concerted efforts are in top gear to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining four victims,” Hundeyin said.