Nigerian kidnappers set ransom

Nigerian militants are demanding €5.5 million for the release of two oil workers, including a Maltese, kidnapped in Nigeria last Friday, according to international website reports.

George Scerri, 62 of Birkirkara and Pakistani Mohammed Assif were seized at gunpoint in Rivers State as they drove to work.

The families of the two workers have appealed to Rivers State Governor Chief Rotimi Amaechi to step in to ensure the release of the hostages.

The workers are employees of Lonestar drilling company.

The Maltese government said yesterday that a delegation headed by the permanent secretary at the foreign ministry was heading for Nigeria for direct contact with the Nigerian government and Lonestar.