SA man snatched by Nigerian militants

File photo

File photo

Published Jun 23, 2016

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Johannesburg - The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (Dirco) was unable to confirm whether one of the seven men kidnapped in Nigeria on Wednesday was South African.

Spokesman Nelson Kgwete said they were awaiting confirmation from the embassy in Nigeria.

“We have seen the reports and we are awaiting information,” he said.

Australian media reported that three Australians, one New Zealander and one South African were among those kidnapped.

The incident was confirmed by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The men were working for the Australian mining and engineering company Macmahon, which was contracted to cement company Lafarge Africa.

The attack happened in south-east Nigeria, close to the city of Calabar. It is reported that about 30 militants carried out the ambush.

An escort vehicle carrying local police was unable to prevent the abduction.

It is unclear why the men were kidnapped, but ABC said that a dollar figure would probably be put to the Australian mining company - or the government - in due course.

A witness told the ABC that the kidnapped men had been taken to a nearby boat, though local police have not confirmed that detail.

Militant group Boko Haram, which operates in the north-east of the country, is thought unlikely to be responsible for the kidnappings as they happened in the south.

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@anna cox

The Star

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