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Pakistani hostage released
27/08/2007 21:24 - (SA)
Port Harcourt - Gunmen who kidnapped a Pakistani worker more than three weeks ago in restive southern Nigeria released him on Monday, police said.
The man was handed over to authorities in Rivers State, where he was seized on July 31, police spokesperson Irejua Barasua said. She was not able to say if a ransom had been paid, and she had no further details.
Pakistani embassy officials could not immediately be reached for confirmation.
More than 150 foreigners have been kidnapped this year alone in Nigeria's lawless southern region, where Africa's largest oil producer pumps its crude.
Hostages are usually released unharmed after a ransom is paid. About a half dozen foreigners are known to be in captivity.
Militants pressing demands for greater oil-industry funds for their impoverished region spearheaded the practice of kidnapping foreigners, but criminal gangs with no pretence of political ends quickly joined the practice.
Militant attacks have cut Nigeria's regular oil production by about one quarter and helped fuel a drastic decline in security across the region and kidnappings and armed robberies have now become commonplace.
New President Umaru Yar'Adua has made calming the southern areas a main priority of his administration and security forces have stepped up their activities in recent weeks, battling fighters in clashes that have left dozens feared dead.
- AP
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