Nigeria: Kidnapped Israeli freed after ransom paid

Exclusive report: Businessman in his 50s abducted after his bodyguard, police officer shot. Police negotiate his release. 'I was not harmed,' he says

Ronen Medzini|Published: 11.15.10 , 23:58

An Israeli businessman was kidnapped in Nigeria and later released unharmed after a ransom was paid, Ynet learned Monday.

Last Wednesday at around 11 am Nigeria time, armed robbers in the western state of Edo shot the Israeli's bodyguard and a police officer. They proceeded to force the businessman into the car and fled the scene.

The officer and bodyguard received medical treatment and are reportedly in good condition.

The kidnappers eventually contacted mediators, and local police negotiated the Israeli's release. The businessman, who is in his 50s, was freed from captivity in the early hours of Saturday morning following the intervention of the Nigerian interior minister.

The businessman, who was working on a real estate project when he was kidnapped, has yet to decide whether he will return to Israel.

Following his release, the Israeli said he was held in relatively comfortable conditions in a cabin in the woods which had running water and electricity. The man said he was not harmed and that the kidnappers provided him with food and water. He was even allowed to take a shower while in captivity.

Police are trying to track down the kidnappers.