Unknown gunmen have abducted 14 Indians and killed six other persons in Ajaokuta Local Government Area, Kogi State.

Two police officers, two Indians and two drivers were killed when the gunmen attacked around 9:00 pm on Friday, August 6.

“They were on their way home from work (West African Ceramics) when the gunmen attacked their Coaster bus yesterday (Friday) night,” the cable reported.

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

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Reacting to the attack, the Kogi State Government said they were collaborating with security agencies to secure the release of the abducted victims.

“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.

“We urge the people of Ajaokuta and indeed, Kogi State in general to go about their normal businesses as we have put in place stringent security measures to ensure the safety of all. Government will spare no resource to ensure our cherished children are rescued alive and unhurt.

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“The governor is personally coordinating the rescue efforts in collaboration with the security chiefs in the state as well as local vigilante groups. There is already a massive deployment to the area to achieve results,” the statement said.

Also commenting on the incident, William Ovye Aya, the spokesman of the Kogi State Police Command, said they were putting measures in place to make the state safe.