Local sources revealed to media on Monday that suspected jihadists in central Mali have abducted more than 110 civilians, a grim event that unfolded six days ago.
According to accounts from a local association and an unnamed elected official, the ordeal began on April 16 when “jihadists” intercepted three buses, compelling both vehicles and passengers to veer towards a forest area situated between Bandiagara and Bankass.
“We demand the release of more than 110 passengers of three buses abducted on Tuesday by jihadists,” a member of the group, Oumar Ongoiba, told media.
The unnamed official from Bandiagara echoed concerns, disclosing, “The jihadists are still holding the three buses and their passengers, numbering over 120.”
Since 2012, Mali has been plagued by various factions linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, alongside self-proclaimed defense groups and criminal elements. This unrest has exacerbated humanitarian and political crises.
The turmoil has spilled into neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, resulting in military regimes taking control in all three nations.
