Authorities in Cameroon have found a group of abducted children who were being held in a residence in the capital Yaounde, the ministry of social affairs said on Friday.
“Following an anonymous tip-off, several people, including minors, were found” on Wednesday in a residential neighbourhood, the ministry said in a statement.
“These children, whose circumstances regarding their presence in this dwelling are now under investigation, are believed to have been held captive,” the statement continued.
On Thursday, public broadcaster CRTV reported that 18 children had been found, the youngest one-and-a-half years old, adding that it remained unclear how they came to be where they were.
Sub-prefect Elvis Akondi told CRTV an investigation was under way.
“Three people have been (arrested and) taken” to the police station, Akondi said, adding nine other suspects were also in police custody.
The ministry said it had immediately taken “the necessary measures to ensure the children’s safety, protection and psychosocial care”.
AFP
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