South African, Australians kidnapped in Nigeria

PORT HARCOURT – Nigerian police on Wednesday said three foreign nationals — two Australians and a South African — and two Nigerians were kidnapped in the country’s southeast after their vehicle was attacked.

The hold-up, in which the driver was also shot dead, happened in the Akpabuyo district near the capital of Cross River state, Calabar, at about 7 am (0600 GMT) on Wednesday.

All five were workers with Australian mining and engineering giant Macmahon, which was contracted to cement major LafargeHolcim in the state, police commissioner Jimoh Ozi-Obeh told reporters.

“The police is currently working with the Nigerian Navy to ensure that the victims are released unharmed,” he added.

“The police is aware of the matter. Five persons were kidnapped. They include two Australians, one South African and two Nigerians. The driver of the vehicle was shot dead.”

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