CAMEROON: 686 KIDNAP VICTIMS RESCUED

THANK God THAT 686 kidnapped women, men and children HAVE BEEN rescued IN A JOINT EFFORT BY CamerooniAN and NigeriaN armed forces.

Kidnap is sadly a common tactic used by several Islamic militant groups in sub-Saharan Africa. Many families and communities have had to wait years to hear updates about their missing loved ones – you might be aware of the Chibok schoolgirls in Nigeria, of whom more than 90 are still in captivity. But there has been some recent welcome news from the region, with 686 kidnap victims being rescued!

These abductees had been taken by Islamic militants Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State’s West Africa Province, an offshoot of Boko Haram). They were freed in two separate operations by the Nigerian and Cameroonian military forces. It’s not yet known how many of the rescued women, men and children are Christians.

The news is an encouragement to those who are praying for the remaining Chibok girls, Leah Sharibu and many other Christians who are being held by militant groups in the region. The fact that this was a concerted effort by the nations’ governments demonstrates that they are taking the kidnappings seriously, and actively seeking to thwart militant groups and rescue civilians – which is encouraging and gives hope for future rescue operations.

Image: A church in rural Cameroon

Please pray for other captive Christians

During the 10-year remembrance service for the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls, now young women, a Chibok parent called Yana Gala told Open Doors partners:

“My hope and prayer is that the God that doesn’t fail will bring back our own children. Even if they have children now, no matter the condition they are in, we want them that way.”

Yana’s daughter Rifkatu is still among those missing.

Many Chibok families and Leah’s parents are of one mind that God is their only solution and ongoing prayer their only resort. Please join these parents and continue to pray for the safe release of all of brothers and sisters being held captive, whether or not we know their names.

*Name changed for security reasons