3 Kidnapped at Gunpoint from Offshore Nigerian Oil Field
Officials from a private security firm say gunmen in Nigeria have kidnapped three workers early Friday morning from a supply ship working near a Chevron offshore oil field.
The attack took place an estimated 70 nautical miles offshore of Bayelsa state. The identity and nationality of those kidnapped is not yet known.
Just last month gunmen kidnapped a contract worker from a supply shop working at an Exxon offshore field in Nigeria.
Attacks on oil operations in the region have increased in recent years as Nigeria’s government received billions of dollars for the easily refined crude oil while citizens continue to live without access to clean water, education, or work. The growing discontent of people in the region has fueled militant groups and increasingly violent attacks.
In 2009, the Nigerian government sponsored reprieve programs to former militant members, with promises of job training and monthly income. Many claim to have not seen these promised benefits, raising new discontent in the region.
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