14 oil workers abducted in Port Harcourt

Gunmen numbering more than 10 on Saturday kidnapped 14 oil workers and their driver in Port Harcourt, the commercial town of Rivers State.

Police sources said the abduction took place on a road connecting the towns of Omoku and Elele, about 50 km (30 miles) from the city of Port Harcourt, Rivers state as the workers, employees of Nigerian energy company Nestoil travelled to work.

“I do not think there was a foreigner among those kidnapped, but their abductors have not made any contact and nobody has been arrested yet.

“We have recovered the vehicle they were travelling in before the incident occurred. Police are currently combing bushes around the area in a bid to find and release the victims,” said Rivers Sate police command spokesman, Nnamdi Omoni.

Kidnapping for ransom is a common problem in some parts of Nigeria’s South East and Niger Delta areas which have seen an increase in crime since the start of attacks by militants calling for more oil wealth to go to the impoverished region.

When contacted on phone, officials of Nestoil refused to make a statement immediately.

Activities indicating restiveness in its premises were visible, when reporters arrived at its operational office headquarters in Port Harcourt.
By Emma Eke.

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