Relief for Families as South Korean Abductees are Safely Released from Nigeria

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul has officially confirmed the release of two South Koreans who were taken captive by an armed group in Nigeria nearly three weeks ago. It is common for criminal groups in Nigeria to engage in kidnapping for ransom, often targeting foreign workers, particularly those involved in remote mining or construction projects.

These individuals, employees of Daewoo Engineering & Construction Co., a prominent South Korean construction company, were abducted in southern Nigeria on December 12. According to Seoul’s Yonhap news agency, the South Korean authorities successfully secured their release on Friday, and the foreign ministry has provided assurances of their good health.

Following a thorough medical assessment, the men have been relocated to a secure location and have been able to communicate with their families via telephone. The foreign ministry has attributed their release to the close cooperation between the Seoul government and the company, as well as collaboration with Nigerian military, police, and intelligence authorities. Information regarding any potential ransom payment has not been disclosed.

Tragically, the abduction led to the loss of four Nigerian soldiers who served as bodyguards, as well as two local drivers, as reported by the South Korean government. In light of these events, the South Korean government has committed to reviewing measures for the protection of its citizens in Nigeria, and will actively engage with relevant government agencies, businesses, and overseas Koreans to prevent future occurrences of kidnapping.

It is important to note that numerous Asian companies, including those from China and South Korea, have operations in Nigeria and are often involved in the country’s road and railway construction projects. This underscores the importance of ensuring the safety and security of foreign nationals in the region.

Source:
Azernews – Al Arabiya

The resolution of this incident has been positive with the release of the abducted individuals. The safety and security of foreign workers in Nigeria, as well as in other countries, is a matter of concern, and the collaborative efforts to ensure the well-being of individuals involved in such projects are reassuring.