Russian oil contractor abducted in Nigeria

PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria, May 6 (Reuters) Unknown gunmen have kidnapped a Russian woman who worked as an oil industry contractor in Nigeria's main oil city of Port Harcourt, security sources said today.

The latest abduction brings to 28 the number of foreign workers kidnapped in the world's eighth largest oil exporter in four attacks in five days. Eight were released.

The woman, a senior executive with catering contractor Whassan Eurest Nigeria Limited, was abducted yesterday night in the exclusive GRA district of the city.

''A Russian female was abducted by unknown gunmen outside her residence close to the Presidential Hotel,'' a security source said.

A police source confirmed the information.

Militants fighting for more autonomy in the oil-producing Niger Delta have stepped up attacks against the Western-operated oil industry in Nigeria, but the line between militancy and crime is blurred and most abductions are motivated by groups seeking ransom.

Hostages are almost always treated well and released unharmed, although a few have been killed by Nigerian troops in clumsy rescue attempts.

REUTERS RJ PM1433