BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

19/05/2007

Suspected militants free Belarusian hostage in Nigeria

Lagos, Nigeria, 05/19 - A Belarusian woman abducted by suspected militants in Nigeria`s oil city of Port Harcourt early this month has been released, the police said Thursday.

The woman, identified simply as "Irina" and said to be married to a Nigerian, was freed unharmed Wednesday night.

The oil industry contractor, was kidnapped 5 May by gunmen while she was returning from work.

Her kidnappers, who are still unknown, later demanded a ransom of US$1.2 million, it was unclear if any money was paid for her release, since such information is usually held back from the media.

The woman was initially identified as a Russian citizen, until The Russian Embassy, which represents Belarus` interests in Nigeria, clarified she is Belarusian.

Over a dozen foreign workers are still being held in Nigeria`s restive oil-rich Niger Delta region, where militants and those the government calls "criminal gangs" have stepped up attacks in the past month.

On Tuesday night, suspected militants bombed the country home of the country`s Vice President-elect, Goodluck Jonathan, killing at least two policemen in the region

Source:

http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=532905

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