Gunmen have reportedly abducted 14 Indian nationals working with a ceramics company in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of Kogi state.

It was learnt that two Indians, two police officers and two drivers were killed when the gunmen struck.

The incident reportedly happened around 9:00 pm on Friday but the police is yet to confirm the number of persons abducted.

“They were on their way home from work (West African Ceramics) when the gunmen attacked their Coaster bus yesterday (Friday) night,” a resident of the area said.

“Their bus was ambushed by these gunmen. They were able to kidnap 14 Indians. Two police officers providing security to them were also killed.”

In reaction to the attack, the Kogi state government said it is working with the security agencies to rescue all those that have been abducted.

“Immediately the unfortunate report was brought to the attention of the State Government, our administration has spread our security net in working with the conventional security agencies and local vigilante groups to ensure the abducted children are rescued alive and the cowards who abducted them brought to book,” Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s information commissioner, said in a statement on Saturday.

“In Kogi State, the life of everyone matters.

“The governor and the government of Kogi State understand that the number one responsibility of the Government is the protection of the lives and property of the citizens. The Kogi State Government will never shirk such responsibility.”

William Ovye Ayah, spokesman of the Kogi police command, confirmed the incident saying they are putting measures in place to make the state safe.

In recent times, gunmen have been attacking communities in Kogi.

Last week, gunmen killed three police officers and five vigilantes at the Jidda-Bassa community of Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi.

Kogi Police Commissioner visits scene

Meanwhile, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Edward Egbuka has visited the scene of the attack, and has deployed operational assets to restore order in the area.

A statement issued by the command’s spokesman, SP Williams Ayah on the incident reads: “Consequent upon the attacks on expatriates of West Africa Ceramics Company Ajaokuta and Police escort at about 2000hrs of Friday 5th of August, 2022, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Edward Egbuka, psc (+) has visited the scene for on-the -spot assessment and has equally ordered the deployment of additional operational assets consisting of Operatives of the Police Mobile Force, Counter Terrorism Unit, Quick Response Unit, State Intelligence Bureau in synergy with other security agencies to restore normalcy in the area.

“Meanwhile, two expatriates, two Company drivers and two Police Inspectors died in the exchange of fire with the hoodlums, before the Area Commander and a detachment of Military in the area reinforced to the scene of incident, and the attackers fled.

“The CP assures that the Command is committed to working in synergy with other security agencies as well as patriotic stakeholders to make the state a safe and secure place for all and sundry. 

“He has further tasked the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to commence investigations into the unfortunate incident so as to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the attack with a view to bringing the perpetrators to book.”