Suspected militants have kidnapped four British nationals in southern Nigeria, police and community leaders confirmed on Wednesday.
The four victims had been providing “free medical care and religious activities” in Burutu area of Delta state, said Chief Theo Fakama, from the local Enukorowa community.
Chief Fakama said locals were “saddened” by the kidnapping as the victims had “brought succour to residents of the community for the past three years”.
The spokesman for Delta State police command, Mr. Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the kidnapping. It happened on October 13.
“The victims are of British nationality, two of whom are a couple, and have been rendering humanitarian services in the area for a while.
“But unfortunately, they didn’t let the authorities know of their presence in the area all this while. There is a militant group that has been operating in the area and we believe they are the ones behind the abduction.
“Immediately the militants struck, they whisked the victims to the interior regions of the creek where we believe they are being held for the past five days.”
It was unclear whether any contact had been made with the kidnappers or the motive for the seizure.
According to AFP, kidnapping for ransom has long been a risk in Nigeria’s south, where high-profile individuals and their families are a frequent target for criminal gangs. Victims are usually released after a few days once payment is made.
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