Family of man kidnapped in Nigeria seeks help from govt

SURAT: The family of city-based engineer Rajesh Patel, an Indian national kidnapped in Nigeria, today urged the government to take action for his early release.

Patel was one of seven Indian nationals kidnapped by gunmen from the residential compound of chemical company Indorama in southern Nigeria on June 1.

His family submitted a memorandum to Surat's district collector, asking the government to help them to secure his early release. Patel's wife Hatel said that she has urged the government to take steps for the early release of her husband.

She said Indorama's officials are in touch with her and have assured the family that they and the Nigerian government are working for the release of Patel and the other Indians.

The Indorama officials assured her that the kidnappers have not harmed Patel, she said, adding that her family was worried despite this assurance. The couple has a 13-year-old son Parth and a 11-year-old daughter Jheel. Patel joined Indonesia-based Indorama's Nigeria plant about a year ago, his family said.