Three workers of the American humanitarian organization Family Health International (FHI 360) and two escorts were abducted by unidentified militants in the northeast of Nigeria near the border with Cameroon, Agence France-Presse reports, citing statements from a representative of the organization.
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“FHI 360 condemns in the strongest terms the kidnapping of three employees and two contractors in Ngale, Nigeria… We are extremely concerned for our colleagues and call for their unconditional, immediate and safe return,” FHI 360 spokeswoman Christy Delafield said.
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According to her, the organization’s employees are engaged in providing vital medical care in the region.
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Also, the agency transmits information from another representative of the organization that it is not known “who is responsible.” However, he reports that Boko Haram and the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) operate in the region of the abduction.
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Earlier media reported on the release of 23 hostages kidnapped from a train in the Nigerian state of Kaduna. According to an eyewitness, then the terrorists blew up the railway tracks, causing the train to derail. Eight people died and 26 were injured in the attack.
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The Nigerian terrorist group Boko Haram has been known since 2002. In March 2015, Boko Haram swore allegiance to the Islamic State terrorist group and changed its name to Islamic State’s West African Province (ISWAP). Later, a split occurred in the group, now Boko Haram and ISWAP are two separate groups.
