At least 50 women abducted in Burkina Faso are found: Media

By Aurore Bonny

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) - About 50 women recently abducted in northern Burkina Faso by suspected terrorists have been found, local sources reported Friday.

"The women abducted on the night of 12-13 January 2023 in Arbinda by terrorists have been found," the National News Agency said, citing "reliable sources" without disclosing further details.

Armed terrorist groups took women and girls who were in search of wild fruit, according to Governor of the Sahel region Rodolphe Sorgho.

In the aftermath of the abduction, the prosecutor of the northern region of Djibo, Issouf Ouedraogo, reported that girls and newborn babies were among those taken.

The Burkinabe Movement for Human and People's Rights and others reported at least 61 women were abducted, including at least 26 under the age of 18.

Burkinabe authorities have announced the opening of an investigation.

Burkina Faso residents have suffered insecurity due to terror attacks since 2015. Thousands of schools have been closed, thousands killed and millions more have fled the violence.

The country is in transition after two coups, caused by the pretext of growing and uncontrolled insecurity.