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Foreign workers seized in Nigeria | Foreign workers seized in Nigeria |
(10 minutes later) | |
Twelve workers, 11 of them foreign, have been kidnapped from a construction site in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta, a South Korean firm has said. | Twelve workers, 11 of them foreign, have been kidnapped from a construction site in Nigeria's oil-rich Niger Delta, a South Korean firm has said. |
At least five other foreign workers have also been abducted in the south from an Italian-run oil vessel and a Dutchman was taken from a bar in Warri. | |
The militant group, Mend, have warned they will step up attacks to show their anger at recent elections. | |
Nigeria's oil output has dropped as foreigners are frequently kidnapped. | Nigeria's oil output has dropped as foreigners are frequently kidnapped. |
However, Nigeria's largest foreign oil producer, Royal Dutch Shell, say it is preparing to re-start operations in the Delta. | However, Nigeria's largest foreign oil producer, Royal Dutch Shell, say it is preparing to re-start operations in the Delta. |
Shell says that - despite attacks in Nigeria and low oil prices - it's profits are up. | Shell says that - despite attacks in Nigeria and low oil prices - it's profits are up. |
Militant groups say they want a larger share of oil wealth for locals. | Militant groups say they want a larger share of oil wealth for locals. |
Incidents | |
Eight Filipinos, three South Koreans and a Nigerian were taken at gunpoint from the Afam power plant 30km (20 miles) north-east of Port Harcourt. | Eight Filipinos, three South Koreans and a Nigerian were taken at gunpoint from the Afam power plant 30km (20 miles) north-east of Port Harcourt. |
Locals say they see little benefit from the huge oil industry | |
Daewoo Engineering & Construction said the gunmen stormed the site near Port Harcourt at 0200 GMT and drove off with the workers - including some senior executives. | |
Daewoo officials spoke of a 40-minute gun battle with security guards, but gave no details of casualties. | Daewoo officials spoke of a 40-minute gun battle with security guards, but gave no details of casualties. |
The second abduction is reported to have taken place on an offshore oil production platform operated by Agip in Bayelsa State. | The second abduction is reported to have taken place on an offshore oil production platform operated by Agip in Bayelsa State. |
If follows a similar incident there on Tuesday, when six foreign workers were kidnapped from an offshore Chevron-run installation. | If follows a similar incident there on Tuesday, when six foreign workers were kidnapped from an offshore Chevron-run installation. |
An unemployed Dutch oil worker has also been taken by armed men from a bar in the town of Warri, where he was watching football on Wednesday night. | |
Thousands of foreign oil workers have left Nigeria since the spate of kidnappings began early last year. | |
Elections | Elections |
The militant group, Mend, which says it wants a larger share of oil wealth for locals, claimed responsibility for Tuesday's incident saying in an email statement that their attack was to show their opposition to Nigeria's president-elect Umaru Yar'Adua and his deputy Goodluck Jonathan - the governor of Bayelsa State. | The militant group, Mend, which says it wants a larger share of oil wealth for locals, claimed responsibility for Tuesday's incident saying in an email statement that their attack was to show their opposition to Nigeria's president-elect Umaru Yar'Adua and his deputy Goodluck Jonathan - the governor of Bayelsa State. |
Mr Yar'Adua won disputed presidential elections last month and is due to be inaugurated at the end of May, when President Olusegun Obasanjo steps down. | Mr Yar'Adua won disputed presidential elections last month and is due to be inaugurated at the end of May, when President Olusegun Obasanjo steps down. |
"This attack is one in a series intended to embarrass the out-going regime. It is also a warning to the incoming government," the statement said. | "This attack is one in a series intended to embarrass the out-going regime. It is also a warning to the incoming government," the statement said. |
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. |
Mend are responsible for many of the attacks in the Niger Delta, which has seen a 20% drop in output over the past year. | Mend are responsible for many of the attacks in the Niger Delta, which has seen a 20% drop in output over the past year. |
Few foreigners are badly hurt during the kidnappings and ransom fees are usually paid to secure their release. | Few foreigners are badly hurt during the kidnappings and ransom fees are usually paid to secure their release. |