The never-ending cycle of violence and kidnapping that has gripped the Niger Delta area of Nigeria has snared one its highest profile victims. Norum Yobo, bother of Everton defender Joseph Yobo was seized by heavily armed gunmen last night as he returned from a party in the southern city of Port Harcourt.

No ransom demands have been received nor has any group come forward to claim responsibility yet. Joseph Yobo is the Captain of the Nigerian National football team, the Super Eagles, and hails from the Ogoni area of the Niger Delta.

Prominent Ogonis like the late Ken Saro Wiwa were at the forefront of agitation for the Nigerian government and international oil companies to participate in developing what is one of the most improvised areas of Nigeria despite producing most of Nigeria’s oil.