Four Chinese kidnapped in Cross River

Gunmen have kidnapped four Chinese construction workers in the southern Nigerian state of Cross River.

The police spokesperson for the state, Irene Ugboh Itohan, confirmed the incident to newsmen

She said a policeman working with the Chinese nationals was killed during the abduction which happened near a quarry site in the remote area of Akampka

Security personnel have been deployed to search for the expatriates.

She said it was not clear why they were kidnapped by the gunmen but kidnapping for ransom is rampant across Nigeria with both locals and foreigners targeted.

In some cases the abductors kill their captives if their demands are not met.