by Oke Efagene

The Italian foreign ministry yesterday disclosed that an Italian had been kidnapped in the Niger Delta.

It was also revealed that contact has been made with the kidnappers.

The victim has been identified as Marcello Rizzo, a 55-year old from the Sicilian town of Randazzo, Italy.

According to reports:

Rizzo, works for the Italian construction company Gitto Costruzioni. 

He has lived in Nigeria for eight years.

“We have had some contacts (with the kidnappers) and we hope we will see a positive conclusion,” a foreign ministry spokesman told Reuters.

“We were informed of his disappearance several days ago,” he said.