Singaporean kidnapped in Egypt released and unharmed

QX179R SG

SINGAPORE: A Singaporean tour leader who was kidnapped by a group of armed men in Egypt's Sinai peninsula has been released and was unharmed, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said.

The ministry said on Saturday morning that Mr Vincent Toh was leading a group of 20 Singaporean tourists when they were intercepted by armed men while travelling from Sinai to Cairo.

MFA said the gunmen abducted him but did not harm the other Singaporeans, who arrived safely in Cairo.

Mr Toh was released a few hours later, with the assistance of the Egyptian authorities.

MFA said he was unharmed and is now staying at a hotel in El Arish, which is on the Mediterranean coast of northern Sinai.

A member of the staff from the Singapore Embassy, who has been working closely with the Egyptian authorities, has been sent to accompany Mr Toh from El Arish to Cairo.

Mr Toh will fly home from Cairo.

MFA has notified his next-of-kin and said it would continue to provide the necessary assistance.

The ministry said in view of the current situation in the Sinai peninsula, Singaporeans should avoid any overland travel to and within the Sinai area.

Reports quoted Egyptian security officials as saying that the armed gunmen are Bedouins, demanding the release of one of their tribesmen arrested for possessing drugs.

- CNA/wm

QX179R SG

S'porean tour leader safely home after Egyptian ordeal

SINGAPORE: The Singaporean tour leader, who was kidnapped for eight hours in Egypt's Sinai peninsula on Friday, is back home.

44-year-old Vincent Toh headed straight for his wife, Christine Kee's arms, as he arrived at Changi Airport at about 3pm.

The pair seemed a little overwhelmed with emotion as they embraced.

Smiles and relief hung on their faces as they exchanged a few words.

When asked how he felt, Mr Toh declined to comment, saying he is "tired" and that he will issue a statement later.

But he expressed relief and is glad to be home.

Other tour members shared similar sentiments.

They were visibly relieved to see their friends and family.

Most declined to comment.

On Friday, Mr Toh had volunteered to follow a group of armed men when they wanted to kidnap a few members of the Singaporean tour group of 20.

He was leading the group from Sinai to Cairo when two vehicles with armed men stopped them.

The men tied Mr Toh up and drove him to an undisclosed location.

Mr Toh had earlier told Channel NewsAsia that the armed men who are Bedouins, had wanted to exchange him for one of their tribesmen.

- CNA/ck