Govt ramps up effort to free kidnapped Kiwi

A New Zealand Government official is in Nigeria as efforts ramp up to secure the release of a Kiwi mining contractor who was kidnapped by militants in a fatal ambush two days ago.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has revealed a ministry official has travelled to the country's capital to work alongside local authorities negotiating the release of the New Zealander, one of seven men taken hostage at gunpoint early Wednesday morning.

The identities of the mining workers kidnapped by gunmen in southern Nigeria have been revealed by Australian and Nigerian media, after their convoy of four vehicles was ambushed in an early morning attack.

MFAT has yet to confirm the identity of the kidnapped New Zealander but Australian and Nigerian media have named him as Jamal Khan. He is missing along with Australians Peter Zoutenbier, Jack Couranz and Mark Gabbedy, South African Wayne Smith and Nigerian Austin Adise.

Perth mechanic Tim Croot (24) who had army reserve training, managed to escape with a Nigerian driver in early morning light and The West Australian reported that consular officials are now assisting Mr Croot.

 

 

The Australian reported that he phoned his parents on Wednesday night to reassure them he was OK.

He told his mother, Leanne: "Don't stress, mum."

The men work for West Australian mining company Macmahon Holdings which is contracted to cement company Lafarge Africa. Mr Couranz is believed to be a reliability engineer, Mr Gabbedy is a project manager at Macmahon, Mr Croot is a heavy diesel mechanic and Peter Zoutenbier is a senior maintenance planner.

The New Zealand Government said it remained in close contact with the kidnapped New Zealander's family as well as Australian authorities and the mining company.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to seek information on the kidnapping in Nigeria of a New Zealand citizen working for an Australian mining company.

"A Ministry official has travelled to Abuja to liaise with local authorities and provide consular advice."

The Government said it would not be providing any further comment as it was not in the interests of the Kiwi hostage or his family.

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