| The kidnappers of two oil workers seized shortly after midnight Thursday from a boat belonging to Oslo-based Petroleum Geo-Services have contacted authorities. Government emissaries have made contact with gunmen who seized a British and an American from an offshore oil-prospecting vessel in Nigeria's troubled southern oil region, and both are reportedly in good health, a local official said Friday. The gunmen claim to have acted on behalf of the Ezetu community living near Chevron's Funiwa platform to back demands for jobs and the building of a local hospital, said Joshua Benamesia, a security aide to Bayelsa State Gov. Goodluck Jonathan. "We've made contact, and I can confirm the hostages are well," Benamesia said. He gave no further details. |