Nigeria: 2 police officers killed in kidnapping attempt

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - A Portuguese construction worker was abducted in the central Nigerian state of Kogi on Tuesday after gunmen killed two police officers, according to a security official .

“Two policemen, sergeant Gini John and Inspector Ezekiel Negedu, were killed as they tried to repel an attempt to abduct an expatriate construction worker. While John died on the spot, Negedu didn't make it to the hospital,” police spokesman William Aga told Anadolu Agency by phone.

“The expatriate, who is identified as Jose Machada, was also abducted by some 15 gunmen. Police have launched immediate manhunt for the gunmen to rescue the victim,” Aga added.

The incident occurred at a construction site along the Obajana-Kabba road, according to the police.

Abduction is rife in parts of Nigeria, with victims often released only after a heavy ransom has been paid.