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NIGERIA: "I WON'T COME BACK" - FREED AMERICAN HOSTAGE March 3, 2006
Kizza Harajah
(SomaliNet) Macon Hawkins, who has recently escaped the hands of Nigerian militants has vowed never to come back to Nigeria. " I won`t come back," said Hawkins, one of the six hostages who were released on Wednesday. The rest were from Thailand, Philippines and Egypt.
Hawkins' birthday wish came true. He was released on his 69th birthday as he had wished when he was showcased to journalists while still in the hands of the Nigerian militants. He confided in the journalists that the militants promised him death if found in the region again.
This is the message that announced his release from the Move For the Emancipation of the Niger Delta. "No ransom for him or any other hostage has been demanded or received. He was released on account of his age and poor health with a stern warning not to return to the Niger Delta unless as a visitor. If he heeds this warning is entirely up to him".
Hawkins has no bad words for the militants for they treated him well. His age guaranteed him the title of papa(father), as it is in the Nigerian culture. Three more captives are yet to be released from custody. They were kidnapped on 18th February.