Boko Haram releases 27 hostages it seized in Cameroon
President Paul Biya was personally involved in securing their release in a process that involved the military, intelligence services and civil society
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Twenty-seven hostages seized by suspected Boko Haram militants in Cameroon in May and July have been released, including 10 Chinese workers and the wife of Cameroon's vice-Prime Minister.
The freed hostages were flown early yesterday from the Far North region to the capital, where they are being treated in hospital, government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary said.
"You can imagine that after the ordeal they are very happy to be released and very relieved. But they are very weak. They are in very poor physical condition," he said. He confirmed that the government believed the hostage-takers were Boko Haram.
President Paul Biya was personally involved in securing their release in a process that involved the military, the country's intelligence service and civil society, Mr Bakary said.
The Chinese workers were seized in May near the town of Waza, 12 miles from the Nigerian border. The wife of Vice-Prime Minister Amadou Ali was seized in July.
This week marks six months since Boko Haram abducted more than 200 girls from a boarding school in Chibok, Nigeria. The group has killed hundreds of people this year.
Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments