November10, 2006:
China is offering loans and technical assistance to rebuild railroads
and other infrastructure. China wants to appeal to the government for a larger
share of Nigeria's oil sales.
November
9, 2006: Six of the 48 captive oil workers escaped from the oil facility held
by armed villagers. Some $75,000 in ransom is being sought for the remaining
captives, and five of the remaining captives were released to facilitate the
negotiations. Soldiers and police have surrounded the oil facility.
November
7, 2006: Two foreign oil workers, seized last week, were released, apparently
after payment of a ransom.
November
6, 2006: In the Niger Delta, a gang of armed and unarmed tribesmen overwhelmed
security guards and took control of an oil facility, taking 48 oil workers
prisoner.