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Nigerian governor's mum abducted Abductions in Nigerian oil states
(about 4 hours later)
Gunmen have kidnapped the mother of the newly elected governor of Nigeria's richest state in the south. Gunmen with dynamite have stormed an oil industry vessel and taken off up to six foreign oil workers off the Nigerian coast in Bayelsa state.
Italy said four of its nationals were among those abducted.
In a separate incident, armed men kidnapped the mother of the newly elected governor of Nigeria's richest state in the south.
Celestine Omeiha's mother was taken from her village near Port Harcourt in oil-rich Rivers State.Celestine Omeiha's mother was taken from her village near Port Harcourt in oil-rich Rivers State.
Up to six foreign oil workers have also been kidnapped by armed militants from an oil industry vessel off the Nigerian coast in Bayelsa state, say sources.
Militants in the Delta rarely abduct locals, prompting speculation that this abduction may be an election fall-out.Militants in the Delta rarely abduct locals, prompting speculation that this abduction may be an election fall-out.
"We have some clues and we are working on it," said police chief Felix Ogbaudu."We have some clues and we are working on it," said police chief Felix Ogbaudu.
States in the oil-producing Niger Delta have huge budgets, yet most people live in poverty, partly caused by endemic government corruption.
Many locals have turned to violenceMany locals have turned to violence
The foreign hostages are believed to include four Italians and an American, a security source told Reuters news agency. States in the oil-producing Niger Delta have huge budgets, yet most people live in poverty, partly caused by endemic government corruption.
"The militants shot one navy personnel and compelled the crew to throw a rope down to give them access by using dynamite. The foreign hostages are believed to also include an American, a security source told Reuters news agency.
"They kidnapped six ex-pats - four Italians, one US and one unknown," the source said. "The militants shot one navy personnel and compelled the crew to throw a rope down to give them access by using dynamite," the source said.
Dozens of kidnappings of foreign oil workers have taken place in recent months, with ransom fees demanded before their release.Dozens of kidnappings of foreign oil workers have taken place in recent months, with ransom fees demanded before their release.
Nigeria is Africa's leading oil exporter but locals complain that little of the wealth reaches their communities.Nigeria is Africa's leading oil exporter but locals complain that little of the wealth reaches their communities.