TYB
Kidnappers demand $17 million ransom for release of American and Canadian hostages in Haiti
October 19, 2021, 7:10 AM
The group that kidnapped 17 American and Canadian missionaries in Haiti has asked for more than $17 million in ransom payments.
The kidnappers, members of a gang known as the 400 Mawozo, have asked for $1 million for each missionary, a top Haitian official told the Wall Street Journal. The FBI and Haitian police are both in contact with the kidnappers, but negotiations for their release could take weeks, according to Haitian Justice Minister Liszt Quitel.
The missionaries in question were kidnapped after returning from a visit to a local orphanage. The hostages include staff from Christian Aid Ministries and members of their family. Sixteen of the members are American, while one is Canadian.
"We greatly appreciate the prayers of believers around the world," said Christian Aid Ministries in a public statement on Monday. The Ohio-based ministry asked believers to join them in prayer for both the hostages and the kidnappers. The ministry told the Washington Examiner that CAM's staff is "working diligently to bring our loved ones home safely."
Kidnappings in Haiti have rapidly grown in number as the country struggles with political instability after the July assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moise. The country is also recovering from a devastating 7.2-magnitude earthquake in mid-August.
The 400 Mawozo have grown in membership in recent months and been blamed for 80% of abductions in Haiti from June through September. The gang has primarily targeted foreigners and religious groups.
https://news.yahoo.com/kidnappers-demand-17-million-ransom-141000495.html