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Australian mining company tight lipped on Nigerian ransom payment

Xinhua, June 27, 2016 Adjust font size:

Australia's Macmahon Holdings Ltd won't comment if they paid a ransom for the release of seven employees, including five ex-pats, abducted near its operations in Nigeria last week.

The Perth-based mining services company confirmed to the Australia Stock Exchange (ASX) early Monday that seven of its employees -- two Nigerians, three Australians, a New Zealander and a South African national -- were released and are undergoing medical assessment. Five of the men are believed to be injured, two very seriously.

"While we are relieved to be able to reunite the seven men with their loved ones, we are deeply saddened by the loss of the local driver Matthew Odok, who was fatally injured during the initial incident," Macmahon chief executive Sy van Dyk said in a statement.

A company spokesman would not comment on whether it paid a ransom for their release, local media reported.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the government had not offered to pay a ransom for the men.

"The Australian government certainly does not (pay ransoms)," Bishop told Macquarie Radio on Monday.

Kidnappings of foreigners for ransom in the Nigerian region is common as it holds most of the state's crude oil, contributing to over two-thirds of national income.

Nigerian police said they stormed the location the men were being held, however the kidnappers managed to escape. The police say no ransom was paid, according to local media.

Van Dyk said the support received from the authorities on the ground in Nigeria, as well as Australian, New Zealand and South African authorities and the company's own security advisors were invaluable.

"This has been an incredible team effort and our highest priority now is to finish the job by continuing to work together to get our people back safely to their families and homes," van Dyk said.

"The assistance of (Nigerian) local and federal agencies has been invaluable."

The company's shares last traded at 9 Australian cents (6.69 U.S. cents). Endit