British hostage killed in Nigeria as 3 more freed
Tributes to optician and charity boss Ian Squire
ONE of four British hostages seized by Nigerian militants last month has been executed and the others freed, it was confirmed yesterday.
Charity boss and optician Dr Ian Squire, 57, was killed some time after the gang stormed a remote rural community in the country’s oil-rich Delta region on October 13.
The British High Commission and Nigerian authorities negotiated the release of Alanna Carson and David and Shirley Donovan. Relatives said in a joint statement they were “delighted and relieved”.
But they added: “Our thoughts are now with the family and friends of Ian. This has been a traumatic time for our loved ones and for their families and friends here.”
Dr Squire’s friend Monica Chard said: “He was a lovely, quiet man who everyone knew and loved. He went to Africa every year. He wanted to help people see who would not have had any help. His widow must be devastated, especially after three weeks waiting to find out if he was alive. The people who kidnapped him are despicable.” Dr Squire founded Christian outfit Mission for Vision in 2003 and took old specs donated at his surgery in Shepperton, Surrey, to remote areas in Africa. He invented a portable solar-powered frame and lens cutter. Ms Carson is a Christian and an optometrist in Leven, Fife. David and Shirley, both 57 and from Cambridge, set up Christian medical charity New Foundations, which co-founded a centre with Mission for Vision in the Nigerian village of Ekameta. The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to the Delta region. It said Nigerian officials are probing the kidnapping, adding: “Staff will continue to support the families.” RELIEF David & Shirley Donovan were released