Four Indians were kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria for ransom

Nigeria, Oct. 25, 2007
Sonu Patel

Working for the Italian oil company, three Indians hailed from Tamil Nadu and one from Maharashtra, were kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria for ransom.

Nigeria's oil-rich region has been plagued by attacks on foreign oil facilities and their employees over the past two years.

More than 200 foreign workers have been abducted, either by gangs seeking ransom or by militants who want local villages to get more of the region's oil wealth. Most of the workers have been released unharmed. Two Polish nationals were also abducted by the gunmen.

Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said:

• We are taking all steps to secure the safe release of four Indians.
• It might take some time as during the previous occasion, when ten Indians were kidnapped in Nigeria, they were released in about three to four days.
• Urging those going abroad for work to go with proper documents, they should also get an assurance from their employer on security before taking up the job.
• We cannot stop Indian citizens to going abroad but they have to ascertain whether proper security has been put in place to avoid such incidents

Mr Vayalar Ravi said it was an important security issue, but we cannot do anything as it had happened in Nigeria. However, we are confident of getting their safe release.