Two Koreans who were kidnapped by local militants in Nigeria were released safely after 17 days.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 30th that two Korean nationals who were taken by armed men while moving from Rivers State in southern Nigeria on the 12th were released the day before. They are known to be employees of Daewoo Engineering & Construction.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “Both Korean citizens (released) are in good health,” and “After being examined at the hospital, they moved to a safe area and spoke with their families.” However, four local bodyguards and two drivers who were present at the scene of the kidnapping on the 12th were killed by gunfire from an armed group member during the attack.
Daewoo Engineering & Construction said, “Currently, all of the kidnapped employees are in good health and will undergo local procedures and return to Korea as soon as possible. We would like to thank the government of the Republic of Korea and Nigeria for mobilizing all diplomatic channels to provide support for the safe release of the kidnapped employees.” “I would like to express my gratitude,” he said, adding, “I am also grateful to all domestic media outlets that accepted our request to suspend reporting for the safe release of the employee.”
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, there were about 800 kidnapping cases for ransom of hostages this year alone, and 1,129 cases last year. In particular, security in southern Nigeria, where this incident occurred, is said to be so unstable that kidnappings occur frequently in almost every state.
The last time a Korean worker was kidnapped in Nigeria was in 2012 (twice), and three times between 2006 and 2007. Many major Korean construction companies are operating in Nigeria, and it is understood that about 340 Korean workers are working there.
Daewoo Engineering & Construction said, “We plan to use this incident as an opportunity to create a safer local work environment by coming up with measures to strengthen the local security system.”
Song Chi-hoon,
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.