Kidnapping is a normal thing in Nigeria: Nilesh Patel

Surat, Jun 23 (UNI) A Surat-based engineer, who was kidnapped in Nigeria along with nine other Indians, but now back home reunited with his family members, said ''kidnapping is a normal thing in Nigeria.'' Rajesh Patel (41), who returned home on June 21, after spending 15 days in captivity along with other company officials, who were kidnapped on June 1 for ransom.

''We were kidnapped for money and they released us after we paid the ransom amount,'' says the engineer.

Although, they were not ill-treated by the captors, he says they were aghast at the high rate of unemployment and poverty in Nigeria.

Patel says he was not aware of the money that changed hands to seek their release from the abductors. ''We were not informed about the demand of the kidnappers. Our company and the Indian embassy there dealt with them and paid the ransom,'' he says.

He was set free on June 15 and returned home on June 21.

''I am quite happy and relieved to be with my family,'' he said.

UNI