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Written question asked by Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party) on Monday, 11 December 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 December 2017. It was answered by Rory Stewart (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 December 2017 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Nigeria: Abduction

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, whether he has had discussions with the Nigerian Government on the kidnapping of missionaries in southern Nigeria; and if he will make a statement.

Answer

​I would like to express my condolences to the family and friends of Ian Squire who died in Nigeria following his kidnapping on 13 October. He devoted his life to helping others and it is clear he touched many lives during the course of his work. I welcome the release of David and Shirley Donovan and Alana Carson, kidnapped alongside Ian. We will continue to do all we can to support the families. I am grateful to the Nigerian authorities for their assistance.

The safety of British Nationals living and working abroad is a priority for this Government. We liaised closely with Nigerian authorities throughout the recent kidnap and regularly discuss security issues in Nigeria with members of the Nigerian Government at the highest levels. There is a high threat of kidnap throughout Nigeria, either for financial or political gain, or motivated by criminality. This is set out in our travel advice for Nigeria, which is kept under constant review.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
118438
Session
2017-19
Subjects
Abduction Nigeria Missionaries
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk