In a harrowing situation that has gripped Festac Town, the husbands of six kidnapped women, all teachers and Assistant Directors at the Ministry of Defence’s Command Secondary School in Ojo, are appealing for help after paying a ransom of N60 million without the safe return of their wives.

The Abduction

On November 9, 2025, Mrs. Chinwe Emeribe and five colleagues were abducted while traveling. Their families are in deep distress, with Nnamdi Emeribe, Chinwe’s husband, recalling their last conversation, where she assured him she would take her medication during the bus journey. After she went silent, he became increasingly worried, ultimately receiving reports of her kidnapping later that night.

False Reports

Reports circulating in the media falsely claimed that all six women had been released. “I saw it on television,” Emeribe said, shaking his head. “That report was not true.” Mr. Chibuikem Onwuzurike, whose wife, Mrs. Juliana Onyekachi Onwuzurike, is among the missing, expressed similar frustration, noting that only four women were freed.

Emotional Toll on Families

The emotional toll on the families is profound. Nnamdi’s twin children, who recently turned nine, have been left asking constantly, “When will mummy come back?” Each inquiry deepens his pain, leaving him with no answers.

Ransom Negotiations

Following the abduction, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N100 million, which later escalated to N150 million before settling at N60 million. Chibuikem reported paying N5,625,000 for his wife’s release, along with contributions from other families to cover the ransom demands.

On the day the women were supposed to be released, November 17, both husbands anxiously awaited at the transport park. Their hopes were dashed when the bus arrived empty save for four of the six women.

Lack of Support

Emeribe expressed disappointment in the lack of assistance from the Ministry of Defence during this crisis. “We were on our own,” he lamented, pointing out that no support was offered for transportation or ransom payments. Attempts to contact the Ministry for a statement have been unsuccessful.

A director within the Ministry, speaking confidentially, confirmed that only four women had been released but did not provide further details regarding the situation of the remaining captives.

As the families await news, they are left in a state of anxiety and desperation, pleading for their loved ones’ safe return.