Two security guards were also killed during the attack.

The workers were kidnapped at Zungeru hydropower dam project in the state.

Ahmed Matane, secretary to the state government, confirmed the incident.

In a statement, Wasiu Abiodun, police public relations officer of the state, said the police team attached to the site engaged the bandits in a gun duel, rescuing four of the expatriates.

“On 04/1/2022 at about 1630hrs, suspected armed bandits attacked workers of Sino-Hydro Power Dam. The workers comprised of some Chinese expatriates and local staffs who were attacked while working on transmission line tower along Gussase village,” he said.

“However, Police tactical team attached to the facility engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel while four of the expartriates were rescued with one of them and a local staff sustaining bullet injury and taken to hospital for medical treatment.

“In the process of scampering for safety during the gun duel, three among the expatriates could not be accounted for presently.”

He added that a joint team of police and military operatives are already on a manhunt for the hoodlums.

In 2021, the state witnessed a series of abductions, including that of schoolchildren.