'Slaves' on a different vessel

A top British Government official has said that a ship that was believed to have left Benin with children destined for slavery did not contain any unaccompanied minors and had been confused with a second ship, whose current location was unknown.

The Nigerian-registered MV Etireno, which Government officials had for days said was thought to be transporting scores of suspected child slaves, was expected back in the commercial capital, Cotonou, imminently, Social Protection Minister Ramatou Baba Moussa said late last night.