Following the abduction of 20 Indian seafarers from “Duke” off Benin, the Government of India assured that they are all safe after Narendra K. Sawaikar, Commissioner for NRI Affairs contacted the Government of India.
Specifically, the families of four Goan sailors asked help from Narendra K. Sawaikar. He then wrote on December 24 to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), urging them to intervene and ensure the sailors’ release.
In the meantime, efforts are underway in attempts to achieve the early release of the abducted seafarers, whose location for the time being remains unknown.
Colonel Sachin Dubey, Defence Advisor, Nigeria, Ghana, Benin and Cameroon at the Indian High Commission in Abuja was cited by Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) as commenting that
DG Shipping (Government of India) has confirmed that contact has been established between the concerned parties and the Indian nationals are reportedly safe. The Mission will continue to follow up on the issue.
He added that the Nigerian Defence Minister assured that they would take all necessary assistance for the safety and early release of the abducted seafarers in case they are found in Nigeria.
