There is apprehension over the failing health of two expatriates currently being held hostage by a militant group at Alabeni, Ekeremor Council in Bayelsa State.
The hostages, a Bulgarian and a Scot, working for Peak Petroleum, a contracting firm to Chevron/Texaco, were abducted last Monday by some militants aboard a marine vessel, “Monipo”, which was reportedly hired by the firm.
The hostages� poor health may not be unconnected with the absence of medical facilities in the area.
Reports said the vessel was halted by armed youths who invaded the area with four speed boats. They fired several shots into the air before kidnapping the foreigners.
Already, a group, Authentic Emancipation of the Movement for Peace and Development in the Niger Delta (EMOPEND), has claimed responsibility for the abduction.
The group threatened not to release the foreigners until its demands are met.
Meanwhile, the United States has described as unacceptable kidnapping of toddlers by militants in the Niger Delta.
The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, stated this during a farewell press briefing in Abuja on Monday.