East Texas Man Returns Home After Being Kidnapped in Nigeria

Kidnappers in Nigeria freed eight oil workers Sunday, two days after they were taken hostage by rebels. The gunmen captured six Britons, one Canadian, and an American, Texas Richards. The small town of Omaha where Richards calls home is rejoicing after learning the news. Inside a small church tucked in the woods of East Texas, a congregation gives thanks. "Lord we thank you for saving Tex," Concord Baptist Church pastor Nolan Richey says while holding hands with other members. Hours after learning of the attack on the Bulford Dolphin rig off the coast of Nigeria members began a prayer chain. Everyone here was hoping for the best, but fearing the worst. "I was devastated because I really didn`t know whether he was dead or alive," family friend Dorris Fountain said. Officials with Peak petroleum aren`t releasing many details about the kidnapping, or whether they paid a ransom. Richey says the long time rough neck knew the dangers. "I talked with Tex many times and he says there`s always that possibility. It just comes with the job." Richards was reunited with his wife Ann late Monday afternoon when he arrived in Dallas. No word yet if he plans to go back to Nigeria.