There has been another spate of hostage taking in Nigeria. At least 16 foreign workers were kidnapped early today in two separate incidents in Nigeria’s oil-rich southern delta region. Eight Filipinos, three South Koreans and a Nigerian employee were abducted from Afam power station, about 20 miles northeast of Port Harcourt.
violence
Iraq Oil Law Could be Passed “Within Weeks”
Despite the dispute between Kurds and the Iraqi government over the country’s controversial oil law, Iraq’s parliament could still pass it within weeks, according to a report by Reuters. However the dispute between the two sides is seen as worsening the foreign investment climate already damaged by spiralling violence.
Chinese Oil Workers Freed in Ethiopia
Seven Chinese oil workers and two Africans who were kidnapped last week during a rebel attack on a Chinese oil field near the Somali border have been released. The Ogaden National Liberation Front, a militant group fighting for control of eastern Ethiopia, claimed responsibility for the attack last week, which is run by a division … Read More
Nigeria’s New President Pledges To Tackle Oil Violence
Nigeria’s president-elect, Umaru Yar’Adua, intends to tackle violence in the Niger Delta by initiating dialogue with “militants” when he assumes office. Yar’Adua, who won the disputed election, said he would get to work immediately on solving the crisis in the Delta. “You can expect a clear plan to be developed for the solution of the … Read More
Massacre at Chinese Oilfield in Ethiopia
Africa and oil is often a deadly and violent mix and if the Chinese thought they would escape being targeted then they will have to think again. This time the turmoil is in the East of the continent in Ethiopia. Somali rebels from the Ogaden National Liberation front have killed seventy-four workers at a Chinese … Read More
Violence Escalates in Niger Delta
Seven people have been killed during security patrols in the Niger Delta, prompting fears of an escalation in the violence in the region. Five people, including two policemen, were killed in a shootout with criminal gangs on Wednesday in the Emohua district of the oil city of Port Harcourt, police said.