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German worker shot dead in southwest Nigeria

27 October 2014 21:29 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. A German construction worker was shot dead in southwest Nigeria's Ogun state by unknown gunmen, his employer Julius Berger said on Monday, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

The unnamed worker, a sub contractor, according to the construction firm, was shot dead last Friday when travelling with several workers without security escorts.

Another staff of Julius Berger was abducted, the company confirmed to Xinhua, adding that it is currently working in close cooperation with the Nigerian security agencies to make certain the safe and prompt release of the person abducted worker.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility and no ransom demand has been made. Security sources in Ogun, Nigeria's industrial hub said the police have launched a manhunt for the gunmen who are holding the worker.

Abduction is common in Nigeria. More than 300 foreigners have been kidnapped in the Niger Delta region since 2006. Almost all have been released unharmed after paying a ransom.

Crime has risen since the West African country returned to civilian rule on May 29, 1999, after 15 years of military rule.

Armed robbers who attack and rob their victims in broad daylight have overwhelmed the police force.