Gunmen have kidnapped the older brother of Everton
defender Joseph Yobo as he made his way home from a
nightclub.
Norum Yobo was one of three men taken from their car at gunpoint
in Port Harcourt in Rivers State, Nigeria. The other two men have
since been released but Yobo is still being held, it is thought
because of his brother's high profile.
The kidnapping took place in the B-Line area of Port Harcourt at
around 4am on Saturday morning after the trio had attended the
Illussion Nite Club. No group has claimed responsibility.
Details of the incident have been confirmed by Cyril Dumite,
deputy chairman of the People's Democratic Party, the ruling party
in Rivers State. Nigeria has seen a rise in activities - including
kidnapping - by militants acting against the oil industry in the
country in a bid to secure a larger share of petroleum funds.
Nigerian international Yobo is on holiday in Lagos and was due
to return to pre-season training at the Merseyside club next week.
Toffees spokesman Ian Ross said the thoughts of everyone connected
with the club were with the 27-year-old and his family. "We have
sent a couple of messages to Joseph offering any assistance that we
can provide him," Ross revealed. "He had been given leave to return
late to pre-season training next week because of his international
duties for Nigeria this summer.
"Obviously, this family misfortune means he will stay out there
for the foreseeable future. "Things like this put football and life
in perspective. The thoughts of the players, management, staff,
fans and everyone connected to Everton FC are with Joseph and his
family at this time. "We can only hope that Joseph's brother is
released without harm."