2 South Koreans kidnapped in Rivers regain freedom

Two South Koreans kidnapped by gunmen along the Ahoada/Abua Road in Rivers State earlier this month have regained after spending 17 days in captivity.

The South Koreans were abducted after gunmen ambushed their convoy on December 12, killing four soldiers guarding them and two civilian drivers.

The two Koreans are employees of Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., a major South Korean builder.

Announcing their release via a statement on Saturday, December 30, the Seoul’s foreign ministry, said: “On Friday, we secured custody of the two abducted Korean citizens.

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“Both people are currently in good health, and after a hospital checkup, they moved to a safe area and spoke with their families.”

The ministry, however, failed to disclose if any ransom was paid.

Attacks by militants in the Niger Delta have dwindled over the years. But the region is volatile and suffers from crude oil theft and vandalism of pipelines, which has taken a toll on Nigeria’s oil output.

Kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs are also common in Nigeria with locals and foreigners targeted. Victims are often released by captors after ransom payments.

The Nigerian authorities have been trying to tackle the problem with massive deployment of security forces across the country.

The Star