There is palpable tension and apprehension in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State over the abduction of travellers by gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

The incident occurred Tuesday evening around 7:00 p.m.

According to a local source, some strange-looking men suspected to be Fulani were sighted in the bush around Onuaku area of the LGA, and confronted by the locals.

They were said to have left the vicinity and moved towards the gully after the Abia State University on the road towards Isuikwuato town.

The source said the strangers later waylaid travellers around the gully erosion site on the road.

They were said to have escaped into the bush after a confrontation with the police.

The source said the suspects had already abducted some commuters before engaging in a gun duel with the police.

“They finally escaped with their victims,” the source said.

When contacted, the Transition Committee Chairman of the council, Mr. Osita Igbe, said it was a case of suspected kidnapping based on the briefing by the police but added that the matter was still under investigation.

He said that all the security agencies are intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing abductors and rescue the victims.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. Geoffrey Ogbonna, said he would make inquiries and get back to our Correspondent.

He later called and said it was a suspected robbery case by bandits, confirming that a Toyota Yaris car was recovered from the scene.

He equally noted that the occupants of the car where nowhere to be found and were believed to have been abducted by the suspected bandits.

The PPRO said police men and army personnel were later drafted to the scene to comb the bush and for the rescue of the victims.

He however said he was not aware of the alleged sighting of strange men in military camouflage at Onuaku community.

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