5 expatriates, 2 Nigerians rescued in Calabar

Ayodele Johnson 23:01 - 27 June 2016

Cross-River Commissioner for Police, Jimoh Ozi-Obeh.

The foreign workers and their Nigerian counterparts were abducted a week before their rescue. One Nigerian driver identified as Matthew, was unfortunately killed during their abduction.

Following their recent abduction by suspected militants, the Cross-River State Police have confirmed the rescue of five foreigners and two Nigerians, from their captors.

Three Australians, Mark Gabberdy, Peter Zoutenbier and Jack Countentz; a South-African, Wayne Smith and a New Zealander, Jamal Khan, were captured with their Nigerian colleagues, while working for MacMahon Construction Company in the state.

They were abducted on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at about 6 AM.

Jimoh Ozi-Obeh, the Commissioner of Police in Cross-River, who gave an assurance of their quick rescue the week of their capture, confirmed that they have been rescued.

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They were rescued unspoilt, according to Ozi-Obeh, who stated that the rescue was made possible through the partnership between the police and other security agencies.

Before this, a Nigerian driver, identified as Matthew, was reportedly killed by the suspected militants on the day of the abduction.