By Kazeem Akanbi
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the abduction of a young lawyer, Onyesom Peace Udoka, and her sister along the Lokoja–Okene highway in Kogi State, describing the incident as “heartbreaking and utterly condemnable.”
Udoka, who had just been called to the Bar, was abducted alongside her sister while returning from Abuja. What should have been a joyous homecoming for her family turned into a nightmare that has left relatives and the legal community in shock.
NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe (SAN), said in a statement on Friday that the abduction reflects the deteriorating state of security on Nigeria’s highways.
“It is unacceptable 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,” he said.
The association called on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other security agencies to immediately secure the release of Udoka and her sister, stressing that the protection of lives and property is a constitutional duty the state must uphold.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the legal community, with many young lawyers expressing fear over increasing insecurity on Nigerian highways. Civil society groups also renewed calls for urgent reforms in national security strategy, noting that the Lokoja–Okene axis has become notorious for kidnappings where victims are held for ransom.
Family members, colleagues, and well-wishers are appealing for prayers and swift action to ensure the sisters’ safe recovery
As of press time, the victims were still in captivity, with security agencies yet to confirm any breakthrough in rescue operations. Police sources told reporters that tactical teams had been deployed to comb suspected hideouts in the area, while negotiations with the kidnappers could not be ruled out.
The NBA has vowed to sustain pressure on the authorities until Udoka and her sister regain their freedom, warning that continued attacks on young professionals threaten Nigeria’s future workforce and deepen public distrust in governance.