At the least 50 persons are kidnapped over two days in northern Cameroon by unknown gunmen

YAOUNDE, Cameroon — At the least 50 individuals had been kidnapped in two separate incidents over two days in northern Cameroon, native authorities mentioned Tuesday.

The kidnappings occurred Sunday and Monday afternoons by an unknown armed group close to the border with Chad, the mayor of Touboro city, Celestin Yandal, advised The Related Press.

Seven individuals have been launched thus far. Abductions on this space occur usually, however locals say the size of those assaults is uncommon.

The primary kidnapping occurred between Touboro and Koutere cities, the place largely Chadians had been taken in addition to some individuals from Cameroon together with college students and shopkeepers, the mayor mentioned.

The second abduction occurred whereas individuals had been touring on a bus from Ngaoundere metropolis to Touboro, he mentioned.

Cameroon has been suffering from preventing since English-speaking separatists launched a revolt within the Central African nation in 2017 with the acknowledged purpose of breaking away from the world dominated by the French-speaking majority and establishing an impartial, English-speaking state.

The federal government has accused the separatists of committing atrocities in opposition to civilians. The battle has killed greater than 3,300 individuals and displaced greater than 750,000 others, in response to the United Nations.

The nation additionally faces a risk from Islamic extremists within the area.