23/11/2006

British hostage killed in Nigeria named

A British oil worker who was killed during an attempt to rescue seven hostages in Nigeria has been named.

David Hunt, 58, from Middlesbrough, was among the group of foreign oil workers who were taken hostage from an oil ship, owned by Italian firm Eni, off the coast of southern Nigeria.

An Italian man was also injured during the rescue attempt by the Nigerian Navy, and two kidnappers and a soldier were also killed.

Mr Hunt was married and had two children and five grandchildren.

Commenting on his death, Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, said: "I would like to express my sadness at the death of British hostage David Hunt, killed in Nigeria. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this tragic time.

"I utterly condemn the barbaric act of kidnapping that led to his death. The Foreign Office is urgently seeking clarification from the Nigerian authorities about the circumstances surrounding his death."

(KMcA/EF)


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