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UK toddler kidnapped in Nigeria UK toddler kidnapped in Nigeria
(9 minutes later)
The three-year-old daughter of an expatriate worker said to be British has been kidnapped by gunmen in the Niger Delta, Nigerian police have said. The three-year-old daughter of a British expatriate worker has been kidnapped by gunmen in the Niger Delta, Nigerian police have said.
The toddler, Margaret Hill, was seized from a car on her way to school in the oil city of Port Harcourt.The toddler, Margaret Hill, was seized from a car on her way to school in the oil city of Port Harcourt.
The kidnapping follows that of five oil workers on Wednesday, the first since the main militant group in the area called off a month-long ceasefire.The kidnapping follows that of five oil workers on Wednesday, the first since the main militant group in the area called off a month-long ceasefire.
The UK's Foreign Office called for the "immediate safe release" of the girl.The UK's Foreign Office called for the "immediate safe release" of the girl.
A spokesman said: "We do not know who took her. We are in contact with her parents and are providing assistance. High Commission officials are in contact with the Nigerian authorities."A spokesman said: "We do not know who took her. We are in contact with her parents and are providing assistance. High Commission officials are in contact with the Nigerian authorities."
The BBC's Alex Last in Lagos says that in almost all previous cases it is foreign oil workers who have been taken hostage but in recent months the children of wealthy Nigerians have also become targets.The BBC's Alex Last in Lagos says that in almost all previous cases it is foreign oil workers who have been taken hostage but in recent months the children of wealthy Nigerians have also become targets.
Who took the girl is not clear, he adds, but there are a plethora of armed gangs which operate in the Niger Delta and kidnapping for ransom has become big business.Who took the girl is not clear, he adds, but there are a plethora of armed gangs which operate in the Niger Delta and kidnapping for ransom has become big business.
KidnapsKidnaps
Margaret Hill is the third child to be kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Nigeria in the last couple of weeks.Margaret Hill is the third child to be kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Nigeria in the last couple of weeks.
MEND Formed early 2006Close links to militant Mujahid Dokubo-Asari's Niger Delta Volunteer ForceSplit into two rival groups late 2006Demand 100% control of Nigeria's oil wealthDemand release of impeached Bayelsa governor on trial for money launderingOperate from creeks of Niger DeltaCommunicate with media by email Nigeria's shadowy militantsMEND Formed early 2006Close links to militant Mujahid Dokubo-Asari's Niger Delta Volunteer ForceSplit into two rival groups late 2006Demand 100% control of Nigeria's oil wealthDemand release of impeached Bayelsa governor on trial for money launderingOperate from creeks of Niger DeltaCommunicate with media by email Nigeria's shadowy militants
The first girl to be taken hostage was the daughter of a Nigerian businessman. A local state legislator's daughter was also kidnapped last week.The first girl to be taken hostage was the daughter of a Nigerian businessman. A local state legislator's daughter was also kidnapped last week.
Both were later released unharmed after ransom payments, the BBC's Abdullahi Kaura in Port Harcourt says.Both were later released unharmed after ransom payments, the BBC's Abdullahi Kaura in Port Harcourt says.
More than 100 foreigners have been taken hostage in the region this year.More than 100 foreigners have been taken hostage in the region this year.
Correspondents say hostages are usually released after ransom payments that the Nigerian government and oil companies involved always deny.Correspondents say hostages are usually released after ransom payments that the Nigerian government and oil companies involved always deny.
Attacks 'to continue'Attacks 'to continue'
Wednesday's incident involved two New Zealanders, an Australian, a Venezuelan and a Lebanese kidnapped in Soku, Rivers state.Wednesday's incident involved two New Zealanders, an Australian, a Venezuelan and a Lebanese kidnapped in Soku, Rivers state.
The main militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) said it had nothing to do with the attack.The main militant group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) said it had nothing to do with the attack.
On Tuesday, Mend announced that it would not extend its month-long ceasefire called to give the new government a chance to set up talks on the restive region.On Tuesday, Mend announced that it would not extend its month-long ceasefire called to give the new government a chance to set up talks on the restive region.
It said it would also resume abductions and attacks on oil installations.It said it would also resume abductions and attacks on oil installations.
The group says it has been kept on the sidelines of government-led talks about the future of the Niger Delta.The group says it has been kept on the sidelines of government-led talks about the future of the Niger Delta.
Although the Delta accounts for over 90% of Nigeria's income, the region remains highly impoverished, a situation the militants say they want to change with their campaign.Although the Delta accounts for over 90% of Nigeria's income, the region remains highly impoverished, a situation the militants say they want to change with their campaign.
How safe do you feel in the Niger Delta? Send us your comments.How safe do you feel in the Niger Delta? Send us your comments.
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