After Nigeria’s Federal government had bragged that Abuja was safe despite a US government travel advisory, a staff member of the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, identified as Miss Freda Arnong, died following an alleged abduction and assault in Abuja.
The assurance followed a recent travel advisory issued by the United States Embassy, restricting non-official visits by its staff to military and government facilities in the Federal Capital Territory.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said there was no cause for alarm, adding that Nigeria’s security agencies were fully engaged in keeping the FCT and the rest of the country secure.
“Abuja remains safe for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.
This, even as the National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, says the efforts of the Nigerian military have enabled the country to stand strong against all manner of insecurities.
The unfortunate incident reportedly occurred on the evening of July 1, 2025, around 7 pm, when Miss Arnong boarded a commercial taxi heading toward Transcorp Junction in the Federal Capital Territory.
Unknown to Freda, the vehicle was already occupied by four unidentified men.
According to the Ghanaian High Commission, the taxi diverted from the intended route shortly after departure.
Hours later, the victim was discovered in critical condition along Airport Road by a good Samaritan, who promptly transported her to the National Hospital, Abuja.
A security source, Zagazola Makama, disclosed that a good Samaritan discovered the victim and quickly took her to the National Hospital in Abuja for emergency treatment.
However, despite medical efforts, she was pronounced dead at approximately 1:52pm on July 7 due to the severe injuries sustained during the attack.
Makama added that the remains of the deceased diplomat had been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy and preservation.
He further stated that detectives from the FCT Command’s Criminal Investigation Department have launched an investigation into the incident, with efforts ongoing to identify and arrest those responsible.
“The diplomatic community in Abuja has expressed deep concern over the incident and is closely following the investigation.
“Miss Arnong was remembered by her colleagues as a dedicated and compassionate individual.
“Her untimely death has left staff at the High Commission and her loved ones in deep mourning,” Makama added.
“Abuja’s safety claims just got a harsh reality check. When will we see real action on security?”