Security frees Kidnapped Women In Burkina Faso

Security forces in Burkina Faso have rescued 66 women and children after they were kidnapped by suspected militant jihadists.

In an unprecedented mass kidnapping, the victims were seized while gathering food in an area hit by an insurgency.

They were found on a bus at a security checkpoint some 200km south of where they were taken, reports say.

It is not clear if their captors have also been detained.

Report says the women and children were kidnapped in two groups on January 12 and 13 in the district of Arbinda

However, Security forces staged a rescue operation and found 27 adult women and 39 babies, children, and young girls in the adjacent Centre-North province.

“They have found freedom after eight long days in the hands of their kidnappers,” an eyewitness said.

A government source confirmed the information but did not provide any details.

Burkina Faso is one of several countries in West Africa battling a rampant insurgency with links to al Qaeda and Islamic State.

BBC/Christopher Ojilere