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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. 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 kidnappings follow a warning from the militant group, Mend, that they would step up their attacks to show their anger at recent elections. 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.
Incidents
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.
Locals say they see little benefit from the huge oil industry Incidents
Thousands of foreign oil workers have left Nigeria since the spate of kidnappings began early last year.
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.
Daewoo Engineering & Construction said the gunmen stormed the site near Port Harcourt at 0200 GMT and drove off with the workers. 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.
ElectionsElections
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.