According to the Haitian Justice Minister, a gang that abducted 17 missionaries from the United States and Canada in Haiti on Saturday is seeking $1 million (£725,000) in ransom for each of the 17 individuals held captive.
The gang is renowned for capturing large numbers of people and holding them hostage for ransom. The same gang, 400 Mazowo, abducted a group of Catholic priests in April. The priests were ultimately let free, however, it’s unknown if they were given money.
Except for one Canadian person, all of those kidnapped are US nationals. Five men, seven women, and five children were among those apprehended. According to reports, the youngest child is just two years old.
They laboured with Christian Aids Ministries, a non-profit missionary organization headquartered in Ohio that provides shelter, food, and clothes to Haitian children.
The missionaries were returning from a visit to an orphanage when their bus was stopped by gang members on a major road near Ganthier, east of Port-au-Prince.
The Croix-des-Bouquets district is dominated by the 400 Mazowo gang, and Ganthier is located there. One of the major ways the 400 Mazowo gang raises money is by seizing cars and all of its passengers for ransom.
“Please keep us in your prayers!! They abducted our driver and are holding us, prisoner.
“Prayers, prayers, prayers. We have no idea where they are bringing us,” was a WhatsApp message for assistance one of the persons kidnapped sent.
