US urges hostages' release, promises development in Niger Delta

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2006

LAGOS (AFP) — The US Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, urged separatist militants to free two Americans and a Briton held hostage in the Niger Delta and promised to help develop the oil-rich region.

"We have sympathy to the cause and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta," Campbell told reporters through a digital video conference screen.

"But we would want the three hostages to be released and a cessation of hostage-taking. It is only when this is done that we will support efforts by the various local, state and federal governments to meet those aspirations."

He said the American government was worried that the three hostages were still being held almost a month after their capture in the swamps of the delta despite efforts by community and...