Three year old son of Iriebe Chief Eze Francis Amadi was captured en route to school in Nigeria’s oil capital, Port Harcout. This most recent kidnapping in the Niger Delta comes four days after the three year old British girl, Margaret Hill was freed from captivity. Moreover, seven hostages, including five foreigners and two executive Nigerian managers, were recently released last week.
Nevertheless, in the past month, four children have been held hostage in this volatile region. Furthermore, in this year alone, more than 150 foreigners have been victims of targeted kidnappings. Presently, more than a dozen people still remain in captivity.
Tom Ateke, leader of a militant group in the Niger Delta calls for armed groups in the area to abandon their weapons and seek discussion with the Nigerian government. However, militants are likely to refuse this option, as they believe that it is unfair that they live impoverished conditions while residing in Africa’s largest oil producing nation. These militants want an increased share of the oil revenues.
Currently, criminal gangs take advantage of Nigeria’s oil state, as it allows for targeted kidnapping of wealthy and political individuals. According to journalist, Tony Tamuno, “It is all about cash; criminals have taken over,” he said. Conversely, other militants take hostages in an attempt to gain more political rights.
The “commercialization” of kidnappings have lead to much instability in the region. Moreover, it has decreased Nigeria’s oil production by more than 25%, which has ultimately lead to increased oil prices throughout the world.
For more information, please see:
BBC – Gunmen Seize Nigerian Chief’s Son – 12 July 2007
MSNBC – Police: Nigeria’s Chief’s 3 Year Old Son Kidnapped – 12 July 2007
VOA – Gunmen Kidnap Three-Year-Old Child in Nigeria – 12 July 2007
