UN contractor freed after abduction in Abyei

The United Nations has confirmed that a contractor of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) who was abducted in Abyei a week ago was freed and is now reunited with his family.

The United Nations has confirmed that a contractor of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) who was abducted in Abyei a week ago was freed and is now reunited with his family.

Radio Tamazuj reported the abduction last Tuesday saying that the incident occurred in northern Abyei the same day and that the gunmen headed north with the driver – Nuba by ethnicity – and one stolen vehicle.

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman of the UN Secretary-General in New York, said yesterday, “On 6 January, a team of eight members of an implementing partner of UNMAS in Abyei were attacked by five unknown armed men in Dhalop (NW of Abyei) while conducting mine action operations in the area.”

“The armed men stole one vehicle and abducted its driver. The remaining seven personnel were left behind unharmed.”

He confirmed that driver was released and then found two days after the abduction: “The contractor was located on 8 January. He did not suffer physical injuries and was moved to Kadugli.”

The spokesman did not say whether the stolen vehicle was located but noted that the UNISFA peacekeeping mission together with local authorities are investigating the incident.