Nigerian police on Sunday vowed to rescue international footballer Christian Obodo unhurt after he was kidnapped near the oil city of Warri on Saturday. "We confirm that Obodo was kidnapped yesterday (Saturday) in Effurum (near Warri). We are making all diligent efforts to ensure that he is rescued unhurt," Delta State police spokesman Charles Muka told AFP.
"We are very hopeful that we will rescue him alive. We are working in combination with all other security agencies, including local vigilante groups and communities. We are combing everywhere."
He said security agencies are working to ensure Obodo's release without the payment of a ransom demanded by his abductors.
Obodo's family has earlier also confirmed his adbuction.
The family said Obodo, who last season played for Lecce in Italy's Serie A, was driving alone in his car following a visit to a relative when he was taken by unknown gunmen.
"His whereabouts are unknown but his car was left behind by the kidnappers. We are yet to receive any call demanding a ransom," said a family member, who wished to remain anonymous.
The oil city of Warri is in Nigeria's restive Niger Delta region, where kidnapping is commonplace.
Media reports on Sunday said that he was seized in front of a church in Effurum and driven away to an unknown destination.