Lebanese workers held in Nigeria

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Unknown gunmen have seized two Lebanese construction workers from their work compound in Nigeria's volatile Niger Delta, police say.

The gunmen attacked a work compound in southern Bayelsa state where the men were staying, a police spokesman said.

"It's true that two Lebanese men were kidnapped in Bayelsa, but we don't have details yet," Haz Iwendi told the BBC.

This latest kidnapping comes two days after a British oil worker was seized from an offshore oil rig in the region.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, yet.

Nearly 70 foreigners have been kidnapped so far this year in the oil-rich but impoverished region.

Armed militants in the region are demanding larger control of the oil.

Hostages are usually released unharmed after ransom payments which the government never admits.

A Dutch construction worker and two Chinese telecommunications workers are also still being held hostage in the Delta's creeks.

Some of the militants are demanding the release of their former leader charged with treason and an ex-governor standing trial corruption.

Others simply demand large cash payments in exchange for the hostages.