Gunmen kidnap two Germans in Nigeria

A group of armed men off the coast of Nigeria have invaded a cargo ship flying the German flag. According to the Nigerian Navy, the men attacked the German ship off the coast of the oil-rich Niger Delta and kidnapped twelve crew members, including two Germans. The Nigerian Navy has taken over control of the German Cargo ship and is sure of the kidnappers and their hostages but initially lacked any information or trace.

According to a Marine spokesman, in addition to the two Germans seven Russians, Lithuanians, Ukrainians and a Latvian one abducted. One Ukrainian crew member who was able to escape from the kidnappers is now being treated at a hospital in Bonny near the oil capital Port Harcourt. A spokeswoman for the Foreign Ministry said the German representatives in Nigeria have turned on and are in constant contact with local authorities to clarify the facts.

The freighter “BBC Polonia drives”, according to Navy spokesman David Nabaida, the Cargo ship is under the German flag. “The website MarineTraffic.com”, but was in the Caribbean state of Antigua and Barbuda registered and was on its way to Onne in the Niger Delta.

Such kidnap attacks often happens in the oil-rich region, they mostly attach and victimize foreigners. Most of them usually come free after a short time, but often only after payment of a ransom.

FRANCIS TAWIAH (Duisburg – Germany)