Posted by AP on
Gunmen kidnapped a British oil-industry worker as he traveled to work Friday in Nigeria's southern oil region, where gunfire rang out across the main city for a fifth day.
* Gunfire rings out in Port Harcourt for fifth day as gangs battle
* Britain has advised all its nationals to leave three southern Nigeria states
* Some 200 people have been kidnapped this year in southern Niger Delta
Gunmen kidnapped a British oil-industry worker as he traveled to work Friday in Nigeria's southern oil region, where gunfire rang out across the main city for a fifth day.
Britain, which has advised all its nationals to leave three southern Nigeria states, said it had closed the British Council and other government-sponsored activities in the city of Port Harcourt.
The man was snatched from his car shortly after dawn in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Police Commissioner Felix Ogbaudu said.
The British High Commission confirmed the man was a Briton, but there were no further details. Ogbaudu had initially said he was American.
Some 200 people have been kidnapped this year in the southern Niger Delta region where crude is pumped in Africa's biggest oil producer. The number includes 154 foreigners, according to www.oyibosonline.com, a Web site used by expatriates in Nigeria to share information. In 2006, 121 foreigners were taken hostage.
Militants demanding more benefits for their impoverished region have staged a series of attacks against oil installations that have cut about one quarter of Nigeria's usual 2.5 million barrel daily output. They began the kidnapping campaign in late 2005.
Criminal gangs have taken up the practice this year, and prominent Nigerians and their family members have been seized along with foreigners. Hostages are usually released unharmed after a ransom is paid.
Security forces have boosted their numbers in the streets and around some public buildings since fighting broke out Monday.
At least a half a dozen people have died in the violence, police say, although local media put the toll much higher.
Militant activity has calmed in recent weeks as the new government of President Umaru Yar'Adua released two regional leaders imprisoned on treason or corruption charges, appearing to meet a number of the conditions set by the main militant group.
The group's larger aim, more federally controlled oil funds for their region, remains unmet