THREE Nigerians kidnapped by militants in Kuluoma 1, Southern Ijaw Local Council, Bayelsa State have been released.
The state police command has also arrested the leader of the captors identified as Mr. Elliot Lawrence.
The hostages, who are workers of Ekonibo Nigeria Limited, a local oil servicing firm, were abducted on March 29 while inspecting a drilling project near the Julius Berger base. They regained their freedom12 days after they were seized.
Four days ago, Governor Goodluck Jonathan had read the riot act to hostage takers in the state, saying the period of dialogue was over. He warned that those who continue with such activities stand the risk of going to jail.
Briefing reporters in Yenagoa, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Iniobong Ikpokette gave the names of the freed hostages as Messrs. Yakubu Shuaibu, Adekoye Suleiman and one Bassey.
He also explained that the leader of the kidnappers, Lawrence, hails from Ekeni community in the Southern Ijaw Council. He was arrested on Friday in Yenagoa, the state capital through a tip off.
Ikpokette added that Lawrence gave useful information on the whereabouts of other members of his gang to the Police.
On how the hostages were released, Ikpokette, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said the Nigerians were handed over to the Kuluoma community, who turn them over to the police.
Meanwhile, militants who kidnapped two Turkish oil workers in the region have demanded a ransom for their release, a Turkish diplomat said yesterday.
“The kidnappers got in touch with the Turkish employers and conveyed their ransom demand,” the diplomat said.
The workers are Ilker Izci and Murat Orhan. They were captured on April 6 by armed men who intercepted their vehicle in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.