The British Foreign Office has announced that it will no longer make any comment on the 13 British nationals abducted in Delta State on October 13. The decision was contained in a statement issued by the office.
Among the abductees were Alana, David and Shirley, whose release was secured through the intervention of the British High Commission and Nigerian authorities, and Ian, who was tragically killed by abductors.
“We are supporting the families of four British people who were abducted on 13 October in Nigeria, one of whom was tragically killed.
“This has clearly been a traumatic time for all concerned, and our staff will continue to do all we can to support the families.
“We are grateful to the Nigerian authorities and are unable to comment given the ongoing nature of their investigations. We are grateful to media for respecting the privacy of the families,” the statement said.
The families of the victims also requested that their privacy be respected. They equally expressed sadness at the death of Ian.
“We are grateful for the support received by the British High Commission and help from the Nigerian authorities in negotiating their release. We are delighted and relieved that Alanna, David and Shirley have returned home safely. Our thoughts are now with the 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. We would, therefore, ask that the media respect our privacy as we come to terms with the news. We will not be making any further comment,” the families said in a statement.
(Source: Sahara Reporters. Nov. 7, 2017)
