Frenchman kidnapped in Ivory Coast found dead

One of the French nationals kidnapped at the Novotel hotel in the Ivory Coast city of Abidjan has been confirmed dead.

Lawyers for the family of Stephane Frantz di Rippel said the hotel manager’s body has been found.

There is no news of the three other men kidnapped in the April 4 armed raid.

The whereabouts remains unknown of Yves Lambelin, a French-born director of the country’s largest private company.

Malaysian businessman Chelliah Pandian is also still missing as is his Beninois assistant Raoul Adeossi.

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has said some of those behind their capture have already been arrested.

They are believed to militia fighters loyal to former leader Laurent Gbagbo.

Copyright © 2012 euronews