Bayelsa governor joins manhunt for kidnapped Dutchmen

The Bayelsa state government in southern Nigeria said on Thursday that efforts were underway to free the three Dutch nationals abducted by yet to be identified gunmen on 4 May.

A statement from Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa Governor, said the kidnap of the Dutchmen at Letugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area was regrettable.

“The government wishes to state for the records that the three Dutch nationals were escorted into the Niger Delta, through Warri in Delta, by a non-government organisation, without any prior notice to the governments and security agencies.

“While the government of Bayelsa appreciates and welcome visitors, especially foreigners, it is important that the government and security agencies are put on notice of such visits.

“But sadly this was not done in this case. It is, however, gratifying to state that the Bayelsa State Government and security agencies are on a serious manhunt for the Dutch nationals and their captors,” Iworiso-Markson said

The press secretary said that Governor Seriake Dickson had assured the Dutch Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr John Groffen, that everything possible was being done to secure their release.

According to Iworiso-Markson, the governor gave the assurance when the ambassador visited him in Abuja.

Dickson reportedly expressed regrets over the incident, adding that the government was collaborating with the security agencies to ensure the release of the victims.