LAGOS OCTOBER 26TH (URHOBOTODAY)-United States (US) President, Barrack Obama, has demanded from the Nigerian government, a safe return of the two American sailors who were reportedly kidnapped by some sea pirates in Bayelsa State on Thursday.
Speaking yesterday during the daily press briefing at the White House, the American president said the news was shocking to the American government but noted that all the U.S. wanted was the safety of her citizens who were abducted off the coast of Brass in Bayelsa State.
Obama, who spoke through Ms. Marie Harf, deputy spokesperson of the Department of States, stated that the US was closely monitoring reports concerning the abduction of the two U.S. citizens, stressing that America was also seeking additional information about the incident so that it may contribute to safely resolving the situation.
His words: “Obviously, our concern at this point is for the safe return of the two U.S. citizens. Chief of Mission Security at our Mission in Nigeria are investigating the kidnapping report. We do believe that this was an act of piracy. Again, we are continuing to seek additional information, and for privacy reasons can’t provide any additional information about the two U.S. citizens.
“At this point, we’re still looking into it. Obviously, our concern is their safe return. We are concerned by this increase. We’ve worked, and will continue to work with states on the Gulf of Guinea to help them respond effectively to maritime crime in these waters.”
Meanwhile, group under the aegis of the “Nigerian-American Leadership Council” has strongly condemned the kidnap of the two US Crew members by pirates off the Gulf of Guinea, calling for the safe release of the captain and chief engineer of a U.S.-flagged oil supply vessel abducted on Wednesday October 23, during an attack in international waters off the coast of Nigeria.
“The Council calls for the immediate unconditional release of the two men. The 68-meter C-Retriever is owned by the U.S. oil servicing company Edison Chouest Offshore. The Council will continue to monitor the situation closely; and will be consulting with various stakeholders in Nigeria to effect the quick release of the two American crewmen without harm.
“The Council also notes the increased piracy activities in the Gulf of Guinea; including the Nigerian and surrounding West African waters, which may seriously impact international commerce in this very strategic region if care is not taken.
“The Nigerian-American Council plans to engage further with various governmental and non-governmental actors in the Gulf of Guinea to stem this potentially dangerous slide into maritime anarchy in the region,” the statement said.