Freed US hostage won`t return to Nigeria
Lagos, Nigeria, 03/03 - One of the six hostages freed by Nigerian militants Wednesday said he would not return to Nigeria and has advised the government to redress the situation in the oil-producing Niger Delta region.
"I won`t come back," said American Macon Hawkins, the first hostage to be released out of the nine who were abducted by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) 18 February. Five others from Thailand, Philippines and Egypt were also released Wednesday.
Hawkins, whose release coincided with his 69th birthday, told journalists shortly after he was set free that he had been warned by the militants he would be killed if he returned to work in the oil region.
In an e-mail message announcing Hawkins` release, MEND said: "No ransom for him or any other hostage has been demanded or received. He was released on account of his age and poor health with a stern warning not to return to the Niger Delta unless as a visitor. If he (Macon) heeds this warning, (it) is entirely up to him".
The American said he was treated well by the militants, in what he called the true spirit of Nigerian culture of respect for elders, adding that they called him "papa" on account of his age.
Hawkins, who said he was the construction manager for the project being executed for Shell in the Niger Delta by US oil and gas servicing company Wilbros, stressed that the provision essential social amenities like hospitals and potable water would go a long way in helping to restore order in the restive region.
The militants, who abducted the nine workers to press their demand for a bigger share of the oil wealth, release of two leaders from the region and payment of US$1.5 billion by Shell for environmental pollution, are still holding three hostages from the US and Britain.
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Some are still not released, as Tokunbo said. It's not over until they are all out.