Tragedy has struck the Ghanaian diplomatic community in Nigeria following the death of Freda Arnong, a staff member of Ghana’s High Commission in Abuja, after she was reportedly abducted and assaulted in the Nigerian capital.
The incident, which has sparked deep concern within diplomatic circles. The sad incident took place when Arnong reportedly boarded a taxi heading to Transcorp Junction. Unaware to her, the vehicle was already occupied by four unidentified men.
Sources close to the Ghanaian mission revealed that the taxi diverted from the agreed route, raising alarm. Arnong was later discovered in critical condition along Airport Road by a passerby, who rushed her to the National Hospital.
Despite emergency efforts, Arnong succumbed to her injuries on Monday afternoon, hospital officials confirmed. Her body has since been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary pending autopsy and preservation procedures.
According to a report by local media outlet Zagazola, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command’s Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities say they are working to identify and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
The incident has left members of the diplomatic community in Abuja shocked and on edge, with many embassies and missions reportedly monitoring the situation closely and seeking assurances of enhanced security.
Neither Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor Nigerian officials have issued formal public statements yet, though pressure is mounting for both governments to ensure swift justice and protect diplomatic personnel stationed abroad.
This tragic incident adds to growing concerns over security lapses in Nigeria’s capital, particularly for women and expatriates, and is expected to fuel renewed discussions on diplomatic protections and intergovernmental cooperation on safety.
