Nigeria kidnap girl's father dies

Updated 10.37 Thu Aug 16 2007

Keywords: Margaret Hill, Nigeria, Michael Hill

The father of the young girl kidnapped at gunpoint in Nigeria has died of a heart attack a month after the incident.

The Foreign Office said County Durham-born Michael Hill, 60, died as a result of a medical condition.

The Foreign Office said County Durham-born Michael Hill, 60, died as a result of a medical condition

His family believe the heart attack was brought on by the stress of the kidnapping.

Mr Hill's three-year-old daughter Margaret was snatched by militants on her way to school last month but returned safe and well to her family days later.

Mr Hill, an oil worker, moved to Nigeria ten years ago and worked as operations director for the US oil firm Lone Star.

During their ordeal Mr Hill offered to hand himself over to the kidnappers in exchange for his daughter's freedom.

Mr Hill, who also ran a karaoke bar with his third wife, Oluchi, also known as Tina, died at home in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, last Wednesday, and his funeral is expected to take place there.

Mr Hill had been due to return to Murton, County Durham, for a reunion with his extended family.

His sister, Catherine Duffy, said: "We all can't help but think it was that terrible ordeal which has triggered his death."

She added that she had spoken to his wife who confirmed their fears.

"She is very low and she confirmed to us that his death certificate stated he had died of a heart attack," she said.

Mrs Duffy said she hoped to arrange a memorial service in Murton once the funeral has been held in Nigeria.