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US oil worker kidnapped
10/08/2007 10:42 - (SA)
Port Harcourt - Gunmen kidnapped an oil-industry worker as he travelled to work on Friday in Nigeria's southern oil region, said police.
The man, an American, was snatched from his car shortly after dawn in the oil city of Port Harcourt, said Rivers State Police Commissioner Felix Ogbaudu.
United States embassy officials could not immediately confirm the man's nationality, and first reports of citizenship by police had been incorrect in the past.
At least 200 foreigners had been kidnapped this year in the restive southern region, where crude was pumped in Africa's biggest oil producer.
Hostages released unharmed
Militants behind a series of oil-installation attacks spearheaded the hostage takings, launching their latest campaign in late 2005.
But, criminal kidnap gangs took up the practice this year, and now the seizure of foreigners, prominent Nigerians and their family members had become widespread in the southern Niger Delta.
Hostages were usually released unharmed after a ransom was paid. This week, six Russian workers from an aluminum plant were released after nearly two months in captivity.
Militant activity had calmed in recent weeks as the new government of President Umaru Yar'Adua released two leaders from the reason imprisoned on treason or corruption charges, appearing to meet a number of the conditions set by the main militant group.
But the group's larger aim, more federally controlled oil funds for their region, remained unmet. The militant activities had cut about one quarter of Nigeria's usual 2.5 million barrel daily output and contributed to a general decline in security in the oil lands.
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