Hundreds of angry protesters in Nigeria have burnt tyres and blocked a major road leading from Niger State to the capital Abuja to condemn a rise in kidnappings in the area.

The residents of Gauraka town north-west of the capital called on the government to offer better protection and demanded the immediate release of 12 hostages who had just been seized by men on motorbikes.

The protest blocked dozens of vehicles including fuel trucks.

Local media in Nigeria reported that at least 14 people were kidnapped in nearby towns last week.

President Muhammadu Buhari has been under increasing pressure to address the country’s numerous security challenges, including frequent mass kidnappings for ransom.