More Oil Workers Kidnapped in Nigeria

Needless to mention, this is getting old.

(Bayelsa, Nigeria) A reported eight oil workers, four British, three American and one South African, were kidnapped today in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. Names of the hostages haven't been disclosed. The kidnappings occurred after thug gunmen on two speed boats attacked a pipe-laying vessel.


Nigerian Delta Kidnappers (typical)
Today's abductions come on the heels of yesterday's kidnapping of a Polish engineer near the oil city of Warri. A total of 16 kidnapping victims are currently being held by armed groups in the delta. Approximately 100 foreign workers have been abducted so far this year. Usually, victims are released after ransom is paid.

The kidnappings are an indication of the general surge in crime and violence in the region as competing groups vie for more access to oil revenues. Oddly, one result of the violence is that there has been a decrease of about 25 percent in oil production and corresponding revenue.