South Korean Nationals Kidnapped in Nigeria Released After 17 Days: Safe Return of Daewoo Construction Employees

Two South Korean Nationals Kidnapped in Nigeria Released After 17 Days: Daewoo Construction Employees Safely Return

After being held captive for 17 days, two South Korean nationals who were kidnapped in Nigeria have been released, bringing relief to their families and the Korean community. The individuals, employees of Daewoo Construction, were confirmed to be in good health by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Background and Situation

Nigeria has unfortunately experienced a high frequency of kidnapping incidents targeting individuals for ransom, with over 800 cases reported this year alone. The southern region of Nigeria, where the kidnapping occurred, is known for its significant occurrence of such incidents.

This is not the first time that South Korean workers have been targeted for kidnapping in Nigeria. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including in 2006-2007 and 2012. In response, the South Korean government has been actively involved in addressing the safety threats faced by Korean workers in Nigeria.

Currently, there are approximately 340 South Korean workers in Nigeria, and Korean construction companies have been actively expanding their presence in the country. The government remains committed to prioritizing the safety and protection of its citizens abroad and will continue to make efforts to prevent such incidents.

Efforts and Release

The safe release of the two South Korean nationals was made possible through the swift and dedicated efforts of the government, as directed by the President, and the support of Nigerian authorities. Minister Park expressed condolences and personally spoke to the released individuals, offering words of comfort.

Daewoo Construction expressed gratitude to the governments of South Korea and Nigeria for their support in securing the safe release of their employees. The company also confirmed that all released individuals are in good health and will soon return to South Korea after necessary procedures.

Conclusion

The safe release of the kidnapped South Korean nationals highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by foreign workers in Nigeria. It serves as a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to ensure the safety of Korean workers in the country.

The South Korean government remains committed to the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad and will continue to work towards the protection and security of its citizens working in Nigeria. The incident emphasizes the need for strong diplomatic relations with Nigeria to address security concerns and prevent similar incidents in the future.

This news is sourced from Kyunghyang Shinmun.