Two hostages, an Italian and a Briton kidnapped in May 2011, in Kebbi state, Nigeria were killed on Thursday by their captors during a joint raid by British and Nigerian forces in an operation to free them.
The two are said to be working for Italian construction company, Stabilini Visinoni Limited, on the construction of the state headquarters of the Central Bank in the state capital, Birin Kebbi at the time of their capture.
Videos posted on YouTube last year in August and December showed the two men, blindfolded with their arms behind them, pleading for their lives, while masked men with rifles stood behind them.
The UK Foreign Office has since then been working on how to secure the realease of both men.
Eight members of the British Special Boat Service (SBS), supported by a number of Royal Marine commandos, conducted the rescue operation, along with some Nigerian troops.
Mr Cameron said both Chris McManus, from the North West of England, and his colleague Franco Lamolinara appeared to have died at the hands of their captors, either before or during the course of the rescue bid.
Speaking to journalist in Downing Street, Mr Cameron said Mr McManus and Mr Lamolinara were “taken hostage by terrorists” in May 2011.
He said: “Since then, we have been working closely with the Nigerian authorities to try to find Chris and Franco, and to secure their release.
“The terrorists holding the two hostages made very clear threats to take their lives, including in a video that was posted on the internet.
“After months of not knowing where they were being held, we received credible information about their location. A window of opportunity arose to secure their release.
“We also had reason to believe that their lives were under imminent and growing danger.
“Preparations were made to mount an operation to attempt to rescue Chris and Franco.
“Together with the Nigerian Government, today I authorised it to go ahead, with UK support.
“It is with great regret that I have to say that both Chris and Franco have lost their lives.
“We are still awaiting confirmation of the details, but the early indications are clear that both men were murdered by their captors, before they could be rescued.”
He added: “Our immediate thoughts must be with Chris and Franco’s families, and we offer them our sincerest condolences.
“Both families have endured a terrible ordeal, and this is a devastating moment for all of them.
“The Foreign Office have been in regular contact with the McManus family since Chris’s capture. I spoke to them just before Christmas and I have spoken to them again with the news this afternoon.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the Nigerian authorities, and President Jonathan personally, for all they have done to help find Chris, and combat terrorism.
“I also want to pay tribute to all those, including UK personnel, who worked so hard to try to bring Chris home safely. I am very sorry that this ended so tragically.
“I ask that the media respect the family’s privacy and allow them time to come to terms with their loss.
“Terrorism and appalling crimes such as these are a scourge on our world. No-one should be in any doubt about our determination to fight and to defeat them.”
Reacting to the killing of the Italian and British expatriates, President Goodluck Jonathan in a statement signed by his special adviser on Media and Publicity, Reuben Abati said that the security forces have arrested the killers who will be made to face the full weight of the law.
