By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria

Two Turkish construction workers were abducted from their hotel rooms in Nigeria’s oil-rich Akwa Ibom state on Sunday, according to a police spokesman Tuesday.

Police officer Chukwu Okechukwu told the country's official news agency, NAN, the workers were abducted from Eket, an oil-rich town that is dozens of kilometers (miles) away from the Akwa Ibom capital city, Uyo.

“The state police command is working tirelessly to rescue the expatriates. The commissioner of police has mobilized the anti-kidnapping unit and a special anti-crime unit to ensure that they are freed unhurt,” Okechukwu said.

Okechukwu said the Turkish nationals worked for the BKS Construction Company in Onna in Akwa Ibom state and had been kidnapped from an airstrip hotel in Eket where they were staying.

Turkish embassy in the capital Abuja confirmed the incident and said it is in contact with local authorities to ensure their release.

The embassy added the kidnappers have made a high ransom demand for the release of the two Turkish nationals.