GUNMEN ABDUCT OIL WORKER, KILLS DRIVER

Unknown gunmen suspected to be militants on Wednesday kidnapped the Divisional Manager (Public Affairs) of the Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Mr. Naaman Feyi Dienye and shot his driver in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

A source at Agip told reporters that Dienye was about being driven out of his house to work along NTA Road, Mgbuoba area of the city, when the gunmen accosted him and snatched him out of his car. ENI, the parent company of NAOC in a statement on Wednesday said: "Feyi Dienye, a Nigerian citizen in charge of Local Community Relations for NAOC's Port Harcourt District, has been kidnapped early this morning (Wednesday) in Port Harcourt while going to the office." The Police Public Relations Officer for Rivers State Command, Mrs. Ireju Barasua, while confirming the development, said no group has claimed responsibility for the action.

Meanwhile, a militant group, the Joint Revolutionary Council (JRC) has accused oil companies including Agip, Shell, Chevron, and some fifth columnist elements of being part of the grand conspiracy that culminated in the arrest and extradition of Henry Okah, one of the leaders of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) who is rumored to have been shot dead on Tuesday.

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In another email to the media, MEND said “Following the weak denial by the Nigerian government spokesman over the killing of Comrade Henry Okah, the government must go a step further by allowing access to his legal representatives, family, pastor and the International Red Cross or similar body for an independent verification that he is alive and never been tortured.” 

“It was very irresponsibly of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the first place to receive him and the other individual and then keep mute.” 

Also, MEND said that human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana has accepted to represent Okah and Edward Atatah who was arrested with him.  

“Mr. Femi Falana has accepted to legally represent Henry Okah and Edward Atatah.We are confident that Mr Falana who also represented the late Ken Saro-Wiwa will ensure that justice and the rule of law triumphs.” MEND said.