Gunmen abduct 15 oil workers in southern Nigeria
Gunmen have abducted 15 workers of a major Nigerian oil facility in the south as unrest continues to plague the African country’s main source of revenue.
A police spokesman in Rivers state said Saturday that the oil workers were on their way to the facility in Port Harcourt when they were kidnapped late on Friday.
“Fifteen oil workers, including their driver, were abducted yesterday (Friday) by unknown gunmen who hijacked their vehicle on Omoku-Elele road after shooting into the air to scare passersby,” Nnamdi Omoni said, adding that those seized were employees of Nestoil, an oil and gas service firm active in Rivers.
The official said police had launched an operation to find the gunmen and those involved in the kidnapping, adding that the bus transporting the oil workers had been recovered by the police after it was abandoned by the gunmen.
“We are combing the bush and creeks in the area. Our men are all over the place. We are doing our best to rescue the victims and apprehend the kidnappers,” Omoni said.
A fresh wave of devastating attacks on Nigeria's oil infrastructure since the start of the year has significantly affected the oil-rich country’s output.
Reports say Abuja has lost a third of its oil income as a result of the militancy affecting its oil facilities, which has created serious financial problems for the government. Nigeria relies on oil for more than 70 percent of its revenues.
The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) group, known for its attacks on Nigeria’s oil installations, announced two weeks ago that it was ready for a ceasefire with the government. A second group, identifying itself as the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM), has also carried out some high-profile attacks on the state-owned pipeline in the recent past.
At least 13 killed in Nigeria protests against economic crisis
Police clash with Nigerians protesting against economic hardship
Nigeria school collapse kills at least 22 students, dozens injured
VIDEO | US expands military role in Yemen
VIDEO | Iran Tech Park hosts annual student event
‘Extremely critical’ to avoid Syria being dragged into war: UN evnoy
What led to dilly-dallying in ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant
Palestinians flee Gaza City suburb after Israel issues forced evacuation order
Iran says will discuss key nuclear, regional issues with France, Germany, UK
VIDEO | Israeli archaeologist killed in Southern Lebanon
VIDEO | Israeli airstrike on Lebanon's army base kills soldier, injures 18 others
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
