Two Indians abducted in Nigeria, confirms MEA

Indian diplomats in Nigeria are coordinating with officials of the West African nation to secure the release of two abducted Indian nationals.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday confirmed that Mangapudi Srinivas from Andhra Pradesh and Kaushal Anish Sharma, a resident of Karnataka, were abducted at Benue in Nigeria last Wednesday.

“They were on their way to work at the Benue Cement company, owned by the Dangote Group, when they were kidnapped. The employers informed the governor of Benue State, state commissioner of police as well as the local head of the state security service and internal intelligence wing,” said Vikas Swarup, official spokesperson, MEA. He said the High Commission of India in Abuja was “closely coordinating” with the agencies of the Nigerian government and officials of the company.

“I have obtained a detailed report on Mangapudi Srinivas and Kaushal Anish Sharma who were abducted in Nigeria,” External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted. Sushma spoke to Srinivas’ wife Lalita over phone, and assured her of all help from the government to ensure the safe release of her husband and his colleague. “I have spoken to Mrs Lalita Srinivas. I assured her that we are doing everything to secure their release,” the minister posted.

Swarup said, “We are hopeful of an early resolution of the issue. No ransom demand has been received yet. There is nothing to prove that the abductors were from the Boko Haram terror group. Perhaps local criminal elements are involved.”