THE United States has launched an investigation into the reported kidnapping of seven individuals which include two of her citizens in the Niger Delta last week.
Philip Crowley, assistant secretary, Bureau of Public Affairs, Department of State who gave the indication last week said the U.S is concerned about their safety and hopes for their immediate release.
Disclosing theU.S is working with Nigerian authorities to pursue their prompt release, he added that, “there is an investigation underway.”
Gunmen in speedboats  kidnapped at least seven workers and wounded two others in an attack at an oil rig operating off the coast of Niger Delta last week.
The attack on the newly installed rig operated by London-based Afren PLC and a nearby support ship came as sporadic attacks by militants.
In a statement, Afren said the attack occurred at a new rig doing survey work at the Okoro oil field, which sits about seven miles off the coast of Nigeria’s Akwa Ibom state.
The company said the two workers suffered “wounds to the leg” in the attack and have been flown out by helicopter to receive medical treatment. It was unclear if they escaped or were simply left behind by the kidnappers.
“We are working with the relevant authorities, and the vessel and rig are both under the control of the company,” Afren said. “Drilling operations on the rig are temporarily suspended. An update will be provided in due course.”
A security source in Nigeria said those kidnapped were believed to be two U.S. citizens, two French nationals and one Canadian national.
The French foreign ministry said it had received information suggesting two French citizens were among those taken and was investigating.