Police: 2 hostages freed in Nigeria |
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Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:17
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LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) - Gunmen released an Indian and a Lebanese kidnapped two days ago in Nigeria's volatile, oil-rich southern region, police officials said Sunday.The two men, employees of Nigerian-owned Seratco construction company, were being cared for by company officials, said Ekpouodom Udom, police chief for Nigeria's Delta state.He offered no details on who the captors were or whether a ransom had been paid.Nearly 70 foreign workers have been taken hostage in the West African country's troubled south since the beginning of the year. Some of the groups issue political demands, including the diversion of more oil revenues to their impoverished region and the release of two leaders on trial for corruption and treason. Other kidnapping rings appear to be motivated by the large cash payments.Kidnapping and other violence has jumped ahead of April's polls, with many accusing Nigerian politicians of paying off and protecting the gangs in exchange for help in rigging the elections.One Dutch citizen seized in a separate incident on Friday remains in captivity, as do two Chinese workers and a Nigerian taken a week ago in Anambra state.Nigeria is Africa's largest oil exporter and the fifth largest supplier to the United States. The recent spate of violence has forced hundreds of foreign workers and their families to flee.Copyright 2007 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Nigerian forces free 3 European captives 