Just as some Nigerians were giving themselves the thumbs-up for the break in the level of abductions and killing of expatriates in the country by militant groups, the bubble burst, one more time. One of the four missionary workers kidnapped by Niger Delta militants in Enekorogha community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State on October 13, this year, Mr. Ian Squire, is reported to have been killed by suspected militants.
Although the BBC quoted its Foreign Office in Nigeria as confirming the tragic incident, some reports say the man died naturally, while three other captives had been freed.
The British High Commission and Nigerian authorities reportedly negotiated the release of Alanna Carson, David Donovan and Shirley Donovan – the other captives. “The Foreign Office said it had been a traumatic time for those involved,” the BBC reported from Abuja.
According to reports, David and Shirley Donovan had lived in Nigeria for the past 14 years, running a charity called New Foundations, which gave aid to remote villages in the Niger Delta. “Our thoughts are now with the immediate family and friends of Ian as we come to terms with his sad death. “This has been a traumatic time for our loved ones who were kidnapped and for their families and friends here in the UK,” their family said in a statement issued on their behalf.
However, security officials told reporters that Mr. Squire died of asthma attack and was not killed by his abductors. Giving details of what transpired, senior military sources stated that the Briton was suffering from asthma and diabetes. The sources said that the deceased died even before his colleagues were freed. Though the security sources pleaded anonymity, investigation revealed that some amount of money was paid to the kidnappers before they freed their victims.
One of the sources said, “Unfortunately, one of the male victims who is asthmatic and diabetic at the same time, died while in captivity as a result of complications from his ailments. Mr. Squire was not killed by the militants. He died while in captivity around a bush within Bayelsa and Delta states. It’s an unfortunate situation. We’re not aware if any ransom was paid.”
Efforts to get clarification and more details from the Delta State Police Command proved abortive. Officials of the Operation Delta Safe Codenamed Joint Task Force could not also be reached for comment.
