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Funeral for Nigeria kidnap victim Chris McManus | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
The funeral of an engineer from Greater Manchester, who was kidnapped and killed in Nigeria, has taken place. | |
Hostages Chris McManus, 28, from Oldham, and Italian Franco Lamolinara, 48, died on 8 March before Nigeria and UK forces were able to rescue them. | Hostages Chris McManus, 28, from Oldham, and Italian Franco Lamolinara, 48, died on 8 March before Nigeria and UK forces were able to rescue them. |
Mr McManus' parents, Michael and Laura McManus, told more than 600 mourners their son "always made people feel special" at a church service in Oldham. | |
They earlier praised the "bravery" of those who tried to free him. | |
'Loved Nigeria' | 'Loved Nigeria' |
In a eulogy to him read out on their behalf at Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Patrick RC Church, his parents said: "He treasured his family. He loved us all so much. | |
"He always made people feel so special and we feel privileged that we knew him." | |
Mr McManus and Mr Lamolinara were in Birnin Kebbi city in north west Nigeria building a bank when gunmen seized them on 12 May. | |
His family said he was welcomed "like a family member" by his employers and colleagues there. | |
"He loved Nigeria and the people and made many friends in the country." | "He loved Nigeria and the people and made many friends in the country." |
A video was released to news media appearing to show the men blindfolded with their arms behind them. Masked men were standing behind them in the footage. | A video was released to news media appearing to show the men blindfolded with their arms behind them. Masked men were standing behind them in the footage. |
'Determination and bravery' | |
UK Prime Minister David Cameron said UK and Nigeria authorities launched a rescue operation after receiving "credible information about [the men's] location". | UK Prime Minister David Cameron said UK and Nigeria authorities launched a rescue operation after receiving "credible information about [the men's] location". |
However, the hostages were already dead and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed the men were killed in Sokoto, Sokoto State, to the north east of Birnin Kebbi. | However, the hostages were already dead and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirmed the men were killed in Sokoto, Sokoto State, to the north east of Birnin Kebbi. |
The family have said they were grateful for the "determination and bravery" of those who attempted to rescue him. | |
"We know that many people both here and in Nigeria worked hard to free Chris," said a family the statement. | |
"[He] would have been proud to know that every effort was made to try and bring him home." | "[He] would have been proud to know that every effort was made to try and bring him home." |
One of the men suspected of planning the kidnapping of Mr McManus and Mr Lamolinara died in police custody, said the secret service. | One of the men suspected of planning the kidnapping of Mr McManus and Mr Lamolinara died in police custody, said the secret service. |
The State Security Service said Abu Mohammed had died of gunshot wounds sustained when he was captured along with five other suspects a day before the failed attempt to rescue the captives. | The State Security Service said Abu Mohammed had died of gunshot wounds sustained when he was captured along with five other suspects a day before the failed attempt to rescue the captives. |