I got your website from your dad whom I work for in Houston, Texas in the early 1980’s at Goetting & Associates. You probably have forgotten me ’cause you were very young when I paid visits to your home. You were called Buddy then, I don’t know if you still go by that name. The reason I am contacting you now is that I learnt from your dad that you are planning to visit Nigeria in March for some evangelical duties. I am from Eastern Nigeria, and came back from a visit to that country last November. As a matter of fact, I plan to visit the country again about mid-March, 2006 on a business trip.

My advice to you and your colleagues when you visit is to exercise the greatest caution as the lack of law and order in Nigeria poses considerable risks to foreign visitors. “Violent crimes committed by ordinary criminals, as well as persons in police and military uniforms, can occur throughout the country” (quoting the US State Department Travel Warning issued this week). The security situation is worst in the oil producing Niger Delta region where armed local groups have attacked oil company facilities, resulting in several deaths. In this area, the threat to expatriate oil workers of kidnapping for ransom or other objectives remains high. I am not trying to scare you or discourage your planned travel to Nigeria, but to advise you to exercise maximum caution during your visit. May God Almighty continue to guide and protect you in all your undertakings on His behalf, Amen.