Armed bandits have kidnapped 23 persons traveling on a highway in the troubled Birnin-Gwari area of Kaduna State.

The victims include a nursing mother and a kid, Mohammed Kebi told the news agency, PRNigeria.

Kebi, a commercial driver, who escaped the scene of the kidnap, said about five vehicles were intercepted during the abduction on Friday morning.

“At least five vehicles were intercepted by Kidnappers along Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna road around 11.00am this morning Friday. At least 23 people were kidnapped, including a nursing mother and one other kid.

“The incident occurred at Kwanar-tsauni between Udawa and Labi.

“Though there is improved security along Funtua route which many commercial vehicles ply, we want the government to also provide maximum security to other routes that are haven of Kidnappers,” he said.

Just last week, about 107 persons travelling at two different occasions along the Birnin Gwari- Kaduna road were allegedly abducted by gunmen.