Two students of the Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, whose identities were yet to be ascertained, have reportedly escaped from their abductors.
The Nation learnt that others were still being held by the kidnappers.
It was not clear whether the students were the target of the gunmen.
A source said on Thursday that the students were among occupants of a mini bus heading for Uturu from Okigwe in Imo State.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident, which has thrown the ABSU community into anguish, occurred between 7pm and 8pm on Wednesday.
Information Commissioner Mr. John Okiyi-Kalu, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the phone, said the students were attacked by gunmen in Imo State and not Abia as being speculated on the social and mainstream media houses (not The Nation).
Okiyi-Kalu, who noted that the Abia State Government is monitoring development on the incident, said the two students escaped from their captors when they (students) were marched to a forest with other travellers.
“We are working with the Imo State Government and security agencies in both states to ensure the rescue of others.
“The public and ABSU community are advised to remain calm, as we will spare no resources in ensuring the safety of the victims.
“No criminal operating in our environment will be allowed to escape justice. We take the job of protecting lives and property of Abians and visitors very seriously,” he said.