Indigenous chief kidnapped by Colombian guerrillas found dead in Venezuela: NGO

An Indigenous chief abducted by Colombian guerrillas from a southern Venezuelan mining town this month has been found dead, human rights NGO Provea said Tuesday.

"The assassination of the Indigenous leader of the Jivi Ekunay people, Julio Rodriguez -- who was the victim of kidnapping for the past eight days after being abuducted by alleged members of FARC dissident groups -- has been confirmed," the NGO said.

According to a Provea tally, more than 48 Indigenous people belonging to the Pemon, Warao, Jivi, Yanomami, Piaroa and Wayuu peoples have been killed since 2010 by "agents of the security forces and non-state actors -- including alleged members of FARC and ELN dissident groups."

The NGO called for "investigation and swift sanctions" against those responsible.

Resource-rich Venezuela, which has the largest oil reserves in the world, also has caches of gold, diamonds and rare earths in its mining region, which is largely controlled by armed gangs or guerrillas, including FARC and ELN.

Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez pushed through a new mining law in April, under pressure from Washington, that favors private investors, particularly from overseas.

But experts say the control of armed groups complicates investment and discourages foreign financing.