Nigerian kidnappers demand release of ethnic leaders

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2006

ABUJA (AFP) — Nigerian security forces attempted to negotiate the release of four foreign oil workers as the armed pirate gang which kidnapped them demanded the release of two ethnic leaders.

Around 40 gunmen in three canoes captured the men after boarding the vessel Liberty Service on Wednesday in waters off the Niger Delta, 180 kilometres (110 miles) east of Lagos, naval Captain Obiara Medani said.

Two days later, security teams dispatched into the winding creeks of the delta swamp made contact with associates of the gang -- members of the restive Ijaw ethnic group -- and began to negotiate for hostages' release, officials said.

Bayelsa State government spokesman Wilson Ekiyor told AFP the plan was to "find the kidnappers, hear what they have to say, what...