Four Britons kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria

Four Britons have been kidnapped in Nigeria’s southern Delta state, a local police official said last night.

Officers are trying to rescue the group, believed to be missionaries, who were taken by gunmen last Friday, said Andrew Aniamaka, a spokesman for the state police.

Kidnapping for ransom is common in parts of Nigeria. A number of foreigners have been abducted in recent years in the Delta region, site of most of the country’s crude oil.

“The abductors have not made any contact but we are doing our investigations to know the motive and have them rescued,” said Mr Aniamaka.