According Nigerian police four people, who are believed to be British citizens, have been kidnapped in Nigeria’s southern Delta state http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41669074
The BBC has reported that the four were taken in the early hours of the morning on Friday 13th October as suspected militants stormed the rural community where they were living and working as missionaries.
Kidnapping for ransom is not unusual in the Niger Delta area and the UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to many parts of southern Nigeria. The Niger Delta, in particular, is rich in oil and, since 1990, has been at the heart of conflict between foreign oil corporations and minority ethnic groups who feel exploited by the industry.
“It is extremely difficult to provide robust protection and personal security for people who live and work in such rural locations,” comments Paul Weldon, managing director of The Panic Room Company.
“These people were clearly in an ‘at risk’ situation and location but I think, by working collaboratively with Government agencies and NGOs, there are a number of opportunities to prevent further kidnappings such as the establishment of additional ‘safe houses’ and ‘secure areas’ where individuals can seek refuge in the event of a similar incident occurring.”
