Italian Priest Kidnapped in Benin City, Edo Sate
Category: Criminal Activity
Severity: 2 (Low)
Source: Drum Cussac
10/14/2017 (Nigeria) - Media reports on Saturday, 14 October, indicate that an Italian priest has been kidnapped in Edo State's Benin City. Maurizio Pallu, a missionary attached to the archdiocese in Abuja, was reportedly abducted along with four colleagues shortly after arriving in the city on Thursday. The circumstances of the kidnapping are currently unclear but the priest is believed to have been taken to a rural hideout in the area and security forces have begun a search operation. The incident highlights the high risk of kidnap for ransom in Nigeria. Historically, abductions have been concentrated in the South and South East zones, especially the core Niger Delta states of Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa. The majority of recent kidnappings have been directed against prominent Nigerians and their family members, often including those who are prominent in political or business circles. However, kidnappers will not hesitate to target foreigners when they perceive the victim's protection to be lax, or observe that they have settled into regular patterns.
Due to the risk of kidnap for ransom in Nigeria, travellers are advised to exercise good situational awareness when travelling, especially in unfamiliar environments. In order to reduce the risk of kidnapping, travellers should maintain a low profile; keep travel itineraries discreet; and vary travel routines, including routes, timings and vehicles. Any suspicious activity should be immediately reported to police. Overland travel in Nigeria should be subject to strict journey management protocols and undertaken in coordination with a trusted security provider.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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