Hostages: MEND releases captives

The Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) claiming responsibility for the taking of 9 foreign nationals working for oil companies in the region hostage has finally released the identities of their captives with a price tag of $1.5bn.

Parading the nine foreign nationals kidnapped last week and allowing them to voice out their frustration and demand, the group said they were making the demand as compensation for the years of exploitation and degradation of the region without anything to show for it.

One of the hostages, 69-year-old American, Makon Howking said they have so far been treated well by their captors but that they have also had the privilege of seeing for themselves the crass poverty and neglect that characterizes the life of the Niger Delta people.

He appealed to the authorities concerned including his home government to rally round to see that he and his colleagues regained freedom before his 70th birthday, which is only a few days away.

The Tide