The head of a hospital in China has been detained by authorities following claims by a social media user that the hospital chief was involved in child trafficking and worked with criminal gangs to give new identities to kidnapped children, reported Bloomberg. The social media user has reportedly said that&nbsp;the head of Jianqiao Hospital in China's Hubei province was selling birth certificates and similar paperwork to child traffickers that operated across 10 provinces in the country.

According to the claims made by the unnamed social media user, the documents cost about 96,000 yuan (USD 13,180) and the document could be procured within seven days.

Watch | Gravitas: Ties thawing between US and China?

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The menace of child abductions was rampant in the years following the 1978 reforms when law enforcement wasn't as efficient and parents had to move across the country often leaving children unsupervised. The issue hence finds&nbsp;resonance among the Chinese even today.

The People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, said on Tuesday (November 7) that law enforcement would “investigate and deal with the matter seriously with impartiality” and a public explanation will be released.

<h2>Public anger in past</h2>

There have been times in the past when the Chinese public grew angry with the government, a relatively rare occurrence, over child kidnapping. The public outrage in past appears to have nudged the government machinery into action.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-faces-persistent-deflation-challenges-as-economic-fragility-persists-655617">China faces persistent deflation challenges as economic fragility persists</a>

Officials in Jiangsu province faced allegations of downplaying a case last year. A mother of eight children was found chained in a rural hut. She was chained at the neck. An alumni of Peking University signed a letter sent to the central government and demanded action. This sort of public challenge to the government is rare in the country. China censored the letter.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-detains-two-prominent-businessmen-one-of-them-is-missing-656302">China detains two prominent businessmen, one of them is missing</a>

The latest case of the birth certificate scandal is already showing signs that people might be interested in the investigation. Bloomberg reported that the hashtag connected to this case was viewed 200 million times on the popular social media platform Weibo.

The Chinese government is making greater efforts to tackle child abductions. Last year, China's Ministry of Public Security said that women and child abductions were down by 88 per cent over the last decade. The government has now set up a system which sends broad alerts so that law enforcement agencies are better informed and better coordinated to tackle human trafficking and abductions.

(With inputs from agencies)

The head of a hospital in China has been detained by authorities following claims by a social media user that the hospital chief was involved in child trafficking and worked with criminal gangs to give new identities to kidnapped children, reported Bloomberg.

The head of a hospital in China has been detained by authorities following claims by a social media user that the hospital chief was involved in child trafficking and worked with criminal gangs to give new identities to kidnapped children, reported Bloomberg. The social media user has reportedly said that the head of Jianqiao Hospital in China's Hubei province was selling birth certificates and similar paperwork to child traffickers that operated across 10 provinces in the country. According to the claims made by the unnamed social media user, the documents cost about 96,000 yuan (USD 13,180) and the document could be procured within seven days. Watch | Gravitas: Ties thawing between US and China? × The menace of child abductions was rampant in the years following the 1978 reforms when law enforcement wasn't as efficient and parents had to move across the country often leaving children unsupervised. The issue hence finds resonance among the Chinese even today. The People's Daily, the mouthpiece of the Chinese Communist Party, said on Tuesday (November 7) that law enforcement would “investigate and deal with the matter seriously with impartiality” and a public explanation will be released. Public anger in past There have been times in the past when the Chinese public grew angry with the government, a relatively rare occurrence, over child kidnapping. The public outrage in past appears to have nudged the government machinery into action. Also Read | China faces persistent deflation challenges as economic fragility persists Officials in Jiangsu province faced allegations of downplaying a case last year. A mother of eight children was found chained in a rural hut. She was chained at the neck. An alumni of Peking University signed a letter sent to the central government and demanded action. This sort of public challenge to the government is rare in the country. China censored the letter. Also Read | China detains two prominent businessmen, one of them is missing The latest case of the birth certificate scandal is already showing signs that people might be interested in the investigation. Bloomberg reported that the hashtag connected to this case was viewed 200 million times on the popular social media platform Weibo. The Chinese government is making greater efforts to tackle child abductions. Last year, China's Ministry of Public Security said that women and child abductions were down by 88 per cent over the last decade. The government has now set up a system which sends broad alerts so that law enforcement agencies are better informed and better coordinated to tackle human trafficking and abductions. (With inputs from agencies)

China: Authorities detain hospital chief over alleged role in child abductions

In a tragic incident in Manipur, a 41-year-old Indian Army soldier named Sepoy Serto Thangthang Kom was killed after being abducted from his residence while he was on leave, media reports said. The soldier was kidnapped from the Imphal West district of Manipur. His lifeless body was discovered the following morning.

PRO, Kohima &amp; Imphal, Ministry of Defence in a post on X social media platform said, "An IndianArmy soldier, Sep Serto Thangthang Kom (41), was abducted &amp; later killed, by 3 unidentified miscreants, while on leave at Tarung, Happy Valley, Imphal West. He was deployed at DSC Platoon, Leimakhong, Manipur. He is survived by his wife &amp; 2 children."&nbsp;

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An <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianArmy</a> soldier, Sep Serto Thangthang Kom (41), was abducted &amp; later killed, by 3 unidentified miscreants, while on leave at Tarung, Happy Valley, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Imphal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Imphal</a> West. He was deployed at DSC Platoon, Leimakhong, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Manipur?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Manipur</a>. He is survived by his wife &amp; 2 children.<a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpokespersonMoD</a> <a href="https://t.co/UYgDqhW51b">pic.twitter.com/UYgDqhW51b</a>
— PRO, Kohima &amp; Imphal, Ministry of Defence (@prodefkohima) <a href="https://twitter.com/prodefkohima/status/1703418624260886887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The Indian Army in a statement condemned the killing of Sep Serto Thangthang Kom and said that they "stand by his family in these difficult times."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-santiniketan-home-to-rabindranath-tagore-makes-it-to-unescos-world-heritage-list-636892">India's Santiniketan, home to Rabindranath Tagore, makes it to UNESCO's World Heritage List</a>

Sepoy Kom was forcibly taken from his home by three unidentified armed individuals at approximately 10 am on Saturday (September 16). The sole witness to this horrifying event was his own 10-year-old son. According to his young son, three unknown men entered their residence while Sepoy Kom and his son were busy on the porch.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-bank-finds-unique-way-to-tackle-loan-defaulters-it-involves-chocolates-636887">Indian bank finds unique way to tackle loan defaulters, it involves chocolates...</a>

The armed men placed a pistol against Sepoy Kom's head and coerced him into a white vehicle. An official statement reportedly stated that the Sepoy's last rites would be conducted in accordance with the family's wishes.

Watch | Anantnag encounter: Indian Army hunt terrorists hiding in forests, guns down all 3 of them

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The Indian Army has promptly dispatched a team to provide assistance to the grieving family during this difficult time. Their mission is to extend all possible forms of support and aid to the family in coping with this tragic loss.

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In a tragic incident in Manipur, a 41-year-old Indian Army soldier named Sepoy Serto Thangthang Kom was killed after being abducted from his residence while he was on leave, media reports said.

In a tragic incident in Manipur, a 41-year-old Indian Army soldier named Sepoy Serto Thangthang Kom was killed after being abducted from his residence while he was on leave, media reports said. The soldier was kidnapped from the Imphal West district of Manipur. His lifeless body was discovered the following morning. PRO, Kohima & Imphal, Ministry of Defence in a post on X social media platform said, "An IndianArmy soldier, Sep Serto Thangthang Kom (41), was abducted & later killed, by 3 unidentified miscreants, while on leave at Tarung, Happy Valley, Imphal West. He was deployed at DSC Platoon, Leimakhong, Manipur. He is survived by his wife & 2 children." An #IndianArmy soldier, Sep Serto Thangthang Kom (41), was abducted & later killed, by 3 unidentified miscreants, while on leave at Tarung, Happy Valley, #Imphal West. He was deployed at DSC Platoon, Leimakhong, #Manipur. He is survived by his wife & 2 children.@SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/UYgDqhW51b — PRO, Kohima & Imphal, Ministry of Defence (@prodefkohima) September 17, 2023 × The Indian Army in a statement condemned the killing of Sep Serto Thangthang Kom and said that they "stand by his family in these difficult times." Also Read | India's Santiniketan, home to Rabindranath Tagore, makes it to UNESCO's World Heritage List Sepoy Kom was forcibly taken from his home by three unidentified armed individuals at approximately 10 am on Saturday (September 16). The sole witness to this horrifying event was his own 10-year-old son. According to his young son, three unknown men entered their residence while Sepoy Kom and his son were busy on the porch. Also Read | Indian bank finds unique way to tackle loan defaulters, it involves chocolates... The armed men placed a pistol against Sepoy Kom's head and coerced him into a white vehicle. An official statement reportedly stated that the Sepoy's last rites would be conducted in accordance with the family's wishes. Watch | Anantnag encounter: Indian Army hunt terrorists hiding in forests, guns down all 3 of them × The Indian Army has promptly dispatched a team to provide assistance to the grieving family during this difficult time. Their mission is to extend all possible forms of support and aid to the family in coping with this tragic loss. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Manipur: Indian Army soldier abducted while on leave, killed

Three men were acquitted by the jury on Friday (September 15) in the last trial related to the plan of kidnapping Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a plot which was seen as homegrown terrorism before the 2020 presidential election of the United States. 
 
The court did not find Eric Molitor, twin brothers William Null and Michael Null guilty of supporting a terrorist act and a weapon charge. The three were the last of the 14 men who were tried in state or federal court. The court has convicted nine others. 
 
The Nulls and Molitor were facing an accusation of supporting the leaders in the plan by taking part in military-style drills and travelling to visit the vacation home of Whitmer in northern Michigan. Different courts convicted the key players Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. of a kidnapping conspiracy last year.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-seeks-disqualification-of-obama-appointed-judge-from-election-subversion-case-635062">Trump seeks disqualification of Obama-appointed judge from election subversion case</a>

The jury in the latest trial heard 14 days of testimony in Antrim County, where the lakeside property of Whitmer is located, 185 miles (297 kilometres) north of the state Capitol. 
 
The authorities stated that the plan of attack Whitmer began to be sketched at a regional summit of anti-government extremists hosted by Dublin, a city in Ohio, in the summer of 2020. 
 
The summit was attended by Fox, Croft and William Null while an FBI informant was also present in the gathering and had secretly recorded profanity-laced screeds which threatened violence against public officials. 
 
The restrictions imposed by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic had also fueled the disgust, as per the text messages, social media posts and recordings submitted as evidence at trial.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Why is impeaching Biden America's priority?

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<h2>Fox 'incredibly dumb' to pull off kidnapping: Molitor</h2>

Molitor and William Null testified in their own defence and agreed to have attended the gun drills and taken tours to check the property of Whitmer. 
 
However, William Null stated that he and his brother broke away when discussions turned towards acquiring explosives. Molitor said Fox was “incredibly dumb” and it was not possible for him to pull off a kidnapping. 
 
Assistant Attorney General William Rollstin appealed to jurors to not be swayed. 
 
“If you help in whole or even in part you’ve satisfied that element” of the crime, said Rollstin in his closing argument on Wednesday. “Was he helping him to plan? Was he helping him prepare? The answer is absolutely,” he added. 
 
After the kidnapping plan was thwarted, then-President Donald Trump was blamed by Whitmer, who said he had given “comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division.” After he was out of office, Trump stated that the kidnapping plan was a “fake deal” in 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Three men were acquitted by the jury on Friday (September 15) in the last trial related to the plan of kidnapping Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a plot which was seen as homegrown terrorism before the 2020 presidential election of the United States.

Three men were acquitted by the jury on Friday (September 15) in the last trial related to the plan of kidnapping Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, a plot which was seen as homegrown terrorism before the 2020 presidential election of the United States. The court did not find Eric Molitor, twin brothers William Null and Michael Null guilty of supporting a terrorist act and a weapon charge. The three were the last of the 14 men who were tried in state or federal court. The court has convicted nine others. The Nulls and Molitor were facing an accusation of supporting the leaders in the plan by taking part in military-style drills and travelling to visit the vacation home of Whitmer in northern Michigan. Different courts convicted the key players Adam Fox and Barry Croft Jr. of a kidnapping conspiracy last year. ALSO READ | Trump seeks disqualification of Obama-appointed judge from election subversion case The jury in the latest trial heard 14 days of testimony in Antrim County, where the lakeside property of Whitmer is located, 185 miles (297 kilometres) north of the state Capitol. The authorities stated that the plan of attack Whitmer began to be sketched at a regional summit of anti-government extremists hosted by Dublin, a city in Ohio, in the summer of 2020. The summit was attended by Fox, Croft and William Null while an FBI informant was also present in the gathering and had secretly recorded profanity-laced screeds which threatened violence against public officials. The restrictions imposed by the government during the COVID-19 pandemic had also fueled the disgust, as per the text messages, social media posts and recordings submitted as evidence at trial. WATCH | Gravitas: Why is impeaching Biden America's priority? Fox 'incredibly dumb' to pull off kidnapping: Molitor Molitor and William Null testified in their own defence and agreed to have attended the gun drills and taken tours to check the property of Whitmer. However, William Null stated that he and his brother broke away when discussions turned towards acquiring explosives. Molitor said Fox was “incredibly dumb” and it was not possible for him to pull off a kidnapping. Assistant Attorney General William Rollstin appealed to jurors to not be swayed. “If you help in whole or even in part you’ve satisfied that element” of the crime, said Rollstin in his closing argument on Wednesday. “Was he helping him to plan? Was he helping him prepare? The answer is absolutely,” he added. After the kidnapping plan was thwarted, then-President Donald Trump was blamed by Whitmer, who said he had given “comfort to those who spread fear and hatred and division.” After he was out of office, Trump stated that the kidnapping plan was a “fake deal” in 2022. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Jury acquits three accused of plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer

Sixteen&nbsp;police employees who had been kidnapped in Mexico's southern state of Chiapas have been freed after three days of captivity, Governor Rutilio Escandon said Friday.

Confrontations between criminals and law enforcement have multiplied recently in the area, which is a transit zone for migrants and drug trafficking.

"I want to tell the people of Chiapas and Mexico that the 16 kidnapped colleagues... have been released this afternoon," the governor said on Twitter.

Local television stations aired live footage of the abductees reuniting with their families.

The relatives had been staging a sit-in at the Chiapas Security Secretariat, where those abducted were employed, demanding the safe release of their loved ones.

As the newly freed police workers approached on foot, the surprised family members raced to embrace them amid screams and tears, news footage from Foro TV and Milenio showed.

Mexico has registered more than 350,000 murders and some 110,000 disappearances -- most attributed to criminal groups -- since the launch of a controversial military anti-drug offensive in 2006.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hipolito-mora-leader-of-mexican-self-defense-movement-murdered-in-violent-ambush-610489">Hipólito Mora, leader of Mexican self-defence movement, murdered in violent ambush</a>

"My brother is in the ambulance right now. They are working on keeping his vital signs stable, as his blood pressure was high," Benicia Rincon, a sister of one of the hostages, told a local network.

Escandon thanked Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the army, the navy, the national guard and others for their help in rescuing the kidnap victims.

During an event in Mexico state, Lopez Obrador described the release as "very good news" and sent "a hug to the relatives".

The state governor did not offer details about how the workers had been freed.

More than 1,000 members of state and federal security forces were involved in the search for the workers, who are administrative employees of the police force.

They had been kidnapped Tuesday while traveling by bus on a stretch of highway that connects the town of Ocozocoautla and the state capital Tuxtla Gutierrez, some 700 kilometers (435 miles) southeast of Mexico City.

At the time, there were 17 women on board the bus, but they were all let go.

Local media released a video purportedly showing the captive workers, one of whom says that the abductors are demanding the resignation or dismissal of three state security officials accused of working in secret with another armed group.

Lopez Obrador on Thursday proposed that an inquiry be launched into the actions of those three officials, in exchange for the hostages' release.

Mexico has registered more than 350,000 murders and some 110,000 disappearances -- most attributed to criminal groups -- since the launch of a controversial military anti-drug offensive in 2006.

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Sixteen police employees who had been kidnapped in Mexico's southern state of Chiapas have been freed after three days of captivity, Governor Rutilio Escandon said Friday.

Sixteen police employees who had been kidnapped in Mexico's southern state of Chiapas have been freed after three days of captivity, Governor Rutilio Escandon said Friday. Confrontations between criminals and law enforcement have multiplied recently in the area, which is a transit zone for migrants and drug trafficking. "I want to tell the people of Chiapas and Mexico that the 16 kidnapped colleagues... have been released this afternoon," the governor said on Twitter. Local television stations aired live footage of the abductees reuniting with their families. The relatives had been staging a sit-in at the Chiapas Security Secretariat, where those abducted were employed, demanding the safe release of their loved ones. As the newly freed police workers approached on foot, the surprised family members raced to embrace them amid screams and tears, news footage from Foro TV and Milenio showed. Mexico has registered more than 350,000 murders and some 110,000 disappearances -- most attributed to criminal groups -- since the launch of a controversial military anti-drug offensive in 2006. Also read | Hipólito Mora, leader of Mexican self-defence movement, murdered in violent ambush "My brother is in the ambulance right now. They are working on keeping his vital signs stable, as his blood pressure was high," Benicia Rincon, a sister of one of the hostages, told a local network. Escandon thanked Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the army, the navy, the national guard and others for their help in rescuing the kidnap victims. During an event in Mexico state, Lopez Obrador described the release as "very good news" and sent "a hug to the relatives". The state governor did not offer details about how the workers had been freed. More than 1,000 members of state and federal security forces were involved in the search for the workers, who are administrative employees of the police force. They had been kidnapped Tuesday while traveling by bus on a stretch of highway that connects the town of Ocozocoautla and the state capital Tuxtla Gutierrez, some 700 kilometers (435 miles) southeast of Mexico City. At the time, there were 17 women on board the bus, but they were all let go. Local media released a video purportedly showing the captive workers, one of whom says that the abductors are demanding the resignation or dismissal of three state security officials accused of working in secret with another armed group. Lopez Obrador on Thursday proposed that an inquiry be launched into the actions of those three officials, in exchange for the hostages' release. Mexico has registered more than 350,000 murders and some 110,000 disappearances -- most attributed to criminal groups -- since the launch of a controversial military anti-drug offensive in 2006. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Mexico: 16 kidnapped police employees  freed after three days of captivity

In a bizarre turn of events, Australian police arrested two suspected kidnappers who were found sleeping inside a vehicle, authorities confirmed on Friday. The incident unfolded in Brisbane, Queensland, when the two men allegedly abducted a man and a woman early morning on Thursday.

Inside the vehicle, the law enforcement officers stumbled upon an array of disturbing items, including zip ties, bleach, hacksaw blades, wire snips, and even a blowtorch. Additionally, a significant amount of cash and drugs was also found, suggesting a potentially sinister motive behind the kidnapping.

<h2>Highlights</h2>

<ol>
	<li>Two men kidnapped a man and a woman on Thursday</li>
	<li>They parked their vehicle after driving the hostages 80 km</li>
	<li>They fell asleep in the car while the victims managed to escape and call police</li>
	<li>Police officials arrested the two men who were caught napping&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Two men now face an array of serious charges</li>
</ol>

<h2>Victims managed to escape their kidnappers</h2>

The victims, aged 33 and 42, were transported approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) south to a suburb on the Gold Coast, where the captors eventually parked the vehicle in a car park. Thankfully, the man and woman managed to escape their kidnappers just after 8 am (local time) and immediately contacted the police.

When police officials came at the site, they found the kidnappers snoozing inside the car, seemingly unaware of the fact that their hostages had fled from their clutches.

Watch:&nbsp;Australia scraps a 770 million-dollar space satellite programme amid an economic slowdown

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Bodycam footage captured the moment an officer approached the vehicle, gently waking one of the slumbering suspects by saying, "Hey buddy, police."

<h2>Charges faced by the kidnappers</h2>

Subsequently, the men, aged 35 and 36, were swiftly taken into custody. They now face an array of serious charges, including two counts of kidnapping, two counts of deprivation of liberty, two counts of torture, as well as one count each of assault, occasioning bodily harm and robbery.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/budget-constraints-force-australia-to-abandon-billion-dollar-space-satellite-programme-610327">Also read:&nbsp;Budget constraints force Australia to abandon billion-dollar space satellite programme</a>

The alleged kidnappers were denied bail, and they are scheduled to appear before the court on Friday to face the charges brought against them.

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In a bizarre turn of events, Australian police arrested two suspected kidnappers who were found sleeping inside a vehicle, authorities confirmed on Friday. The incident unfolded in Brisbane, Queensland, when the two men allegedly abducted a man and a woman early morning on Thursday.

In a bizarre turn of events, Australian police arrested two suspected kidnappers who were found sleeping inside a vehicle, authorities confirmed on Friday. The incident unfolded in Brisbane, Queensland, when the two men allegedly abducted a man and a woman early morning on Thursday. Inside the vehicle, the law enforcement officers stumbled upon an array of disturbing items, including zip ties, bleach, hacksaw blades, wire snips, and even a blowtorch. Additionally, a significant amount of cash and drugs was also found, suggesting a potentially sinister motive behind the kidnapping. Highlights Two men kidnapped a man and a woman on Thursday They parked their vehicle after driving the hostages 80 km They fell asleep in the car while the victims managed to escape and call police Police officials arrested the two men who were caught napping Two men now face an array of serious charges Victims managed to escape their kidnappers The victims, aged 33 and 42, were transported approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) south to a suburb on the Gold Coast, where the captors eventually parked the vehicle in a car park. Thankfully, the man and woman managed to escape their kidnappers just after 8 am (local time) and immediately contacted the police. When police officials came at the site, they found the kidnappers snoozing inside the car, seemingly unaware of the fact that their hostages had fled from their clutches. Watch: Australia scraps a 770 million-dollar space satellite programme amid an economic slowdown × Bodycam footage captured the moment an officer approached the vehicle, gently waking one of the slumbering suspects by saying, "Hey buddy, police." Charges faced by the kidnappers Subsequently, the men, aged 35 and 36, were swiftly taken into custody. They now face an array of serious charges, including two counts of kidnapping, two counts of deprivation of liberty, two counts of torture, as well as one count each of assault, occasioning bodily harm and robbery. Also read: Budget constraints force Australia to abandon billion-dollar space satellite programme The alleged kidnappers were denied bail, and they are scheduled to appear before the court on Friday to face the charges brought against them. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Australia: Kidnappers caught napping in car as hostages dial police after escaping

In one of the bizarre stories of the day, a man presumed dead by his family in the eastern Indian state of Bihar was found alive, eating momos in the northern Indian city of Noida in Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The man named Nishant Kumar hailed from the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. He mysteriously went missing on 31 January, 2023, after which his father&nbsp;Sachidanand Singh lodged a complaint at the&nbsp;Sultanganj police station. In the complaint, the father accused Nishant's brother-in-law Ravi Shankar Singh and father-in-law&nbsp;Naveen Singh of torturing and kidnapping him.&nbsp;

However, as fate would have it,&nbsp;Ravi was the one who&nbsp;spotted Nishant in Noida and solved the mystery. Ravi was at a shop selling momos in Noida's sector 50 when he saw one of the shopkeepers berating a beggar.&nbsp;The beggar was asking for food, saying he was hungry.&nbsp;

Seeing the miserable condition of the beggar who sported a long dingy beard and wore tattered clothes, Ravi felt sorry and&nbsp;approached the shopkeeper whilst offering&nbsp;to pay for the momos for the beggar. However, no sooner did Ravi ask the beggar his name, than the mystery of Nishant's mysterious disappearance unravelled itself.&nbsp;

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The beggar introduced himself as Nishant Kumar, a resident of&nbsp;Dhruvganj, Naugachia. Without wasting a beat, Ravi immediately dialled the police and Nishant was taken to Sector 13 police station. Meanwhile, Delhi Police contacted Sultanhaj police station&nbsp;and apprised them of the latest developments.&nbsp;

<h2>Ravi — a relieved man&nbsp;</h2>

Ravi, meanwhile, was a relieved man. After months of facing accusations and abuses from the family, he finally had closure. According to Ravi, his elder uncle passed away in shock because of the serious charges levelled by Nishant's family.&nbsp;

“Now there is a hope that we will get justice from the court and whoever is guilty in this case, the court will take legal action against him,” Ravi Shankar was quoted as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-indian-politician-breaks-down-while-being-arrested-by-ed-604162">VIDEO | Indian politician breaks down while being arrested by ED</a>

This is not the first instance where a person presumed dead by a family has turned up alive and well. In UP, a woman declared dead seven years was found alive and married to another person. Meanwhile, a man, related to the woman was rotting behind bars on 'murder' charges.

The woman had eloped with her lover and got married and shifted to another district in the state. The man named Vishnu was caught, charged with a false murder case, convicted and even sentenced to seven years in prison.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In one of the bizarre stories of the day, a man presumed dead by his family in the eastern Indian state of Bihar was found alive, eating momos in the northern Indian city of Noida in Uttar Pradesh.

In one of the bizarre stories of the day, a man presumed dead by his family in the eastern Indian state of Bihar was found alive, eating momos in the northern Indian city of Noida in Uttar Pradesh. The man named Nishant Kumar hailed from the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. He mysteriously went missing on 31 January, 2023, after which his father Sachidanand Singh lodged a complaint at the Sultanganj police station. In the complaint, the father accused Nishant's brother-in-law Ravi Shankar Singh and father-in-law Naveen Singh of torturing and kidnapping him. However, as fate would have it, Ravi was the one who spotted Nishant in Noida and solved the mystery. Ravi was at a shop selling momos in Noida's sector 50 when he saw one of the shopkeepers berating a beggar. The beggar was asking for food, saying he was hungry. Seeing the miserable condition of the beggar who sported a long dingy beard and wore tattered clothes, Ravi felt sorry and approached the shopkeeper whilst offering to pay for the momos for the beggar. However, no sooner did Ravi ask the beggar his name, than the mystery of Nishant's mysterious disappearance unravelled itself. Watch | Gravitas: India-China relations hit an all-time low. Here's why × The beggar introduced himself as Nishant Kumar, a resident of Dhruvganj, Naugachia. Without wasting a beat, Ravi immediately dialled the police and Nishant was taken to Sector 13 police station. Meanwhile, Delhi Police contacted Sultanhaj police station and apprised them of the latest developments. Ravi — a relieved man Ravi, meanwhile, was a relieved man. After months of facing accusations and abuses from the family, he finally had closure. According to Ravi, his elder uncle passed away in shock because of the serious charges levelled by Nishant's family. “Now there is a hope that we will get justice from the court and whoever is guilty in this case, the court will take legal action against him,” Ravi Shankar was quoted as saying. VIDEO | Indian politician breaks down while being arrested by ED This is not the first instance where a person presumed dead by a family has turned up alive and well. In UP, a woman declared dead seven years was found alive and married to another person. Meanwhile, a man, related to the woman was rotting behind bars on 'murder' charges. The woman had eloped with her lover and got married and shifted to another district in the state. The man named Vishnu was caught, charged with a false murder case, convicted and even sentenced to seven years in prison. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian man believed to be dead, found eating momos in another state

Ukraine is investigating Belarus' suspected involvement in the forced transfer of minors from Russian-occupied territory, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday (May 23).

The declaration followed an allegation by the exiled Belarusian opposition saying that 2,150 Ukrainian children, including orphans aged six to 15, had been shipped to so-called recreation camps and sanatoriums in Belarus.

Based on the early assessment of the National Anti-Crisis Management, a group of political opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, the children were transferred to at least three locations in Belarus.

The office of Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has opened criminal procedures into "the forced transportation/deportation of over 19,000 children" from the seized areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk, as per a Reuters report.&nbsp;

"The fact and circumstances of taking Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to the so-called 'recreational camps' in Belarus are currently under investigation in the mentioned criminal proceedings," it said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intercepts-us-military-jets-over-baltic-sea-595713">Russia intercepts two US military jets over Baltic Sea</a>

<h2>What are the violations involved?</h2>

The International Criminal Court, the world's permanent war crimes tribunal, issued arrest warrants in March for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his children's rights ombudsman, Maria Lvova-Belova, on two charges of war crimes in connection with the relocation of hundreds of Ukrainian children to Russia.

In the words of Yulia Ioffe, an assistant professor at University College London and an expert in children's rights legislation, if the allegations are proven, Belarus would "highly likely" be violating the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

"The actions of Belarus may also amount to the crime against humanity of ‘deportation of forcible transfer of population’ under the Rome Statute of the ICC, provided there is sufficient evidence of forcible transfers being widespread or systematic," Ioffe said.

Belarus, in any case, cannot be deemed a neutral nation to which children might lawfully be evacuated because there is no proof that Ukraine has provided authorisation, she added.

As per&nbsp;the report, Ukrainian children were brought to the Belarusian Golden Sands Sanatorium in the Gomel area, as well as the Ostroshitsky Gorodok Sanatorium and Dubrava camp in the Minsk region.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Why does Ukraine wants F-16 jets?&nbsp;

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The transfers of minors to Belarus were illegal and violated the Geneva Conventions and the statute of the International Criminal Court, the report said.

Additionally,&nbsp;the first group of roughly 350 youngsters arrived from the seized Donetsk area on September 5 and 6, followed by the second and third groups in late September and mid-October. Additional transfers were performed in April and May of this year.

The children were transported&nbsp;by bus to Russia from Russian-held territories of Ukraine and then by train to Belarus, it said.

"Lukashenko personally ordered the transfers of orphans to Belarus and facilitated their arrival by financial and organisational support," it said, accusing him of war crimes.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine is investigating Belarus' suspected involvement in the forced transfer of minors from Russian-occupied territory, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday (May 23).

Ukraine is investigating Belarus' suspected involvement in the forced transfer of minors from Russian-occupied territory, the prosecutor general's office said on Tuesday (May 23). The declaration followed an allegation by the exiled Belarusian opposition saying that 2,150 Ukrainian children, including orphans aged six to 15, had been shipped to so-called recreation camps and sanatoriums in Belarus. Based on the early assessment of the National Anti-Crisis Management, a group of political opponents of President Alexander Lukashenko's regime, the children were transferred to at least three locations in Belarus. The office of Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin has opened criminal procedures into "the forced transportation/deportation of over 19,000 children" from the seized areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Luhansk, as per a Reuters report. "The fact and circumstances of taking Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine to the so-called 'recreational camps' in Belarus are currently under investigation in the mentioned criminal proceedings," it said. ALSO READ | Russia intercepts two US military jets over Baltic Sea What are the violations involved? The International Criminal Court, the world's permanent war crimes tribunal, issued arrest warrants in March for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his children's rights ombudsman, Maria Lvova-Belova, on two charges of war crimes in connection with the relocation of hundreds of Ukrainian children to Russia. In the words of Yulia Ioffe, an assistant professor at University College London and an expert in children's rights legislation, if the allegations are proven, Belarus would "highly likely" be violating the Convention on the Rights of the Child. "The actions of Belarus may also amount to the crime against humanity of ‘deportation of forcible transfer of population’ under the Rome Statute of the ICC, provided there is sufficient evidence of forcible transfers being widespread or systematic," Ioffe said. Belarus, in any case, cannot be deemed a neutral nation to which children might lawfully be evacuated because there is no proof that Ukraine has provided authorisation, she added. As per the report, Ukrainian children were brought to the Belarusian Golden Sands Sanatorium in the Gomel area, as well as the Ostroshitsky Gorodok Sanatorium and Dubrava camp in the Minsk region. ALSO WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Why does Ukraine wants F-16 jets? The transfers of minors to Belarus were illegal and violated the Geneva Conventions and the statute of the International Criminal Court, the report said. Additionally, the first group of roughly 350 youngsters arrived from the seized Donetsk area on September 5 and 6, followed by the second and third groups in late September and mid-October. Additional transfers were performed in April and May of this year. The children were transported by bus to Russia from Russian-held territories of Ukraine and then by train to Belarus, it said. "Lukashenko personally ordered the transfers of orphans to Belarus and facilitated their arrival by financial and organisational support," it said, accusing him of war crimes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ukraine probing reports of 2,150 children being shipped to Belarus, says prosecutor

An Illinois girl who was abducted by her mother six years ago was found on Saturday, a year after her story of disappearance was featured on Netflix’s ‘Unsolved Mysteries.’ The 15-year-old girl was found alive in North Carolina, she was kidnapped when she was only nine years old.

“I’m overjoyed that Kayla is home safe,” the girl’s father, Ryan Iskerka said in a statement issued by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. “We ask for privacy as we get to know each other again and navigate this new beginning.”

Kayla Unbehaun was nine when she disappeared in 2017, while under the supervision of her mother, Heather Unbehaun, who did not have custody of the child. Iskerka said he was supposed to retrieve Kayla from her mother on July 5 that year but they never showed up again.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/who-was-lahiri-pathivada-indian-american-techie-found-dead-in-oklahoma-after-she-disappeared-mysteriously-593631">Who was Lahari Pathivada? Indian-American techie found dead in Oklahoma after disappearing mysteriously</a>

Kayla’s mother, HeatherUnbehaun, 40, was arrested Saturday in Asheville, North Carolina on fugitive charges. She was released on Tuesday, a court clerk told NBC. Her next court date is scheduled for July 11.&nbsp;

<h2>How Illinois girl, Kayla, was found after six years?</h2>

As per police interviews, Unbehaun was last seen packing her belongings on the root of her car. Family members indicated that she went on a camping trip to an unknown place in Wisconsin and was expected to return for the meetup with Iskerka.&nbsp;

When the mother and daughter failed to show up, the family grew suspicious and contacted the police. A missing report was filed for Kayla as soon as the family members reached the police.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Unbehaun’s attorney declined to comment on the case. She and her family could not be reached at the phone numbers listed for them.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-first-time-flyer-smokes-beedi-on-akasa-plane-arrested-at-bengaluru-airport-593533">India: First-time flyer smokes 'beedi' on Akasa plane, arrested at Bengaluru airport</a>

The disappearance was one of several cases involving alleged family abduction featured on an episode of the Netflix series ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ in November 2022.&nbsp;

The Kane County State’s Attorney's office issued a kidnapping warrant for Unbehaun, NBC Chicago reported.&nbsp; 
Kayla was placed into the custody of the North Carolina Division of Social Services. She is expected to be reunited with her family and brought back to Illinois.&nbsp;

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An Illinois girl who was abducted by her mother six years ago was found on Saturday, a year after her story of disappearance was featured on Netflix’s ‘Unsolved Mysteries.

An Illinois girl who was abducted by her mother six years ago was found on Saturday, a year after her story of disappearance was featured on Netflix’s ‘Unsolved Mysteries.’ The 15-year-old girl was found alive in North Carolina, she was kidnapped when she was only nine years old. “I’m overjoyed that Kayla is home safe,” the girl’s father, Ryan Iskerka said in a statement issued by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. “We ask for privacy as we get to know each other again and navigate this new beginning.” Kayla Unbehaun was nine when she disappeared in 2017, while under the supervision of her mother, Heather Unbehaun, who did not have custody of the child. Iskerka said he was supposed to retrieve Kayla from her mother on July 5 that year but they never showed up again. Also Read | Who was Lahari Pathivada? Indian-American techie found dead in Oklahoma after disappearing mysteriously Kayla’s mother, HeatherUnbehaun, 40, was arrested Saturday in Asheville, North Carolina on fugitive charges. She was released on Tuesday, a court clerk told NBC. Her next court date is scheduled for July 11. How Illinois girl, Kayla, was found after six years? As per police interviews, Unbehaun was last seen packing her belongings on the root of her car. Family members indicated that she went on a camping trip to an unknown place in Wisconsin and was expected to return for the meetup with Iskerka. When the mother and daughter failed to show up, the family grew suspicious and contacted the police. A missing report was filed for Kayla as soon as the family members reached the police. On the other hand, Unbehaun’s attorney declined to comment on the case. She and her family could not be reached at the phone numbers listed for them. Also Read | India: First-time flyer smokes 'beedi' on Akasa plane, arrested at Bengaluru airport The disappearance was one of several cases involving alleged family abduction featured on an episode of the Netflix series ‘Unsolved Mysteries’ in November 2022. The Kane County State’s Attorney's office issued a kidnapping warrant for Unbehaun, NBC Chicago reported. Kayla was placed into the custody of the North Carolina Division of Social Services. She is expected to be reunited with her family and brought back to Illinois. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mystery solved: Illinois girl whose disappearance story was shown on Netflix found alive after six years

Two Red Cross workers who were kidnapped in northern Mali in March first week were released Sunday evening.&nbsp;

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a tweet wrote, "We confirm that the two ICRC employees kidnapped on March 4 between (the cities of) Gao and Kidal in northern Mali were released this evening."&nbsp;

"Our colleagues are well and have been released unharmed without conditions. We thank all those who contributed to their release."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-taiwanese-president-ma-to-visit-china-from-march-27-573702">Former Taiwanese president Ma to visit China from March 27</a>

ICRC on 4 March had tweeted about the arrest of two of its workers. "We confirm the kidnapping of 02 of our colleagues this morning ... We ask for no speculation about the incident so as not to hinder its resolution," the ICRC in Mali had said at the time of the kidnapping.&nbsp;

However, ICRC had not revealed any information regarding the kidnapping and the people who became the victim of it. The organisation also refrained disclosing the nationality of the people who were kidnapped.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rights-activists-in-bosnia-injured-in-attack-following-lgbt-event-ban-reports-573707">Rights activists in Bosnia injured in attack following LGBT event ban: Reports</a>

Mali has been experiencing turmoil since 2012, especially in the northern part of the country. Tuareg rebellions in northern Mali launched an offensive on 17 January 2012 calling for autonomy for their nomadic desert tribe.

The clashes has led to grave humanitarian crisis displacing millions of &nbsp;people. The violence also led to thousands of casualities in Mali. Moreover, the Malian army also inflicted losses of its soldiers along with the killing of civilians.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/after-iran-saudi-pact-china-to-play-peacemaker-in-ukraine-war-573689">After Iran-Saudi pact, China to play peacemaker in Ukraine war?</a>

With government losing its grip in some parts of the country, the incidents of kidnapping at the hands of separatist groups have become common.&nbsp;

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Two Red Cross workers who were kidnapped in northern Mali in March first week were released Sunday evening. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a tweet wrote, "We confirm that the two ICRC employees kidnapped on March 4 between (the cities of) Gao and Kidal in northern Mali were released this evening.

Two Red Cross workers who were kidnapped in northern Mali in March first week were released Sunday evening. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in a tweet wrote, "We confirm that the two ICRC employees kidnapped on March 4 between (the cities of) Gao and Kidal in northern Mali were released this evening." "Our colleagues are well and have been released unharmed without conditions. We thank all those who contributed to their release." Also Read | Former Taiwanese president Ma to visit China from March 27 ICRC on 4 March had tweeted about the arrest of two of its workers. "We confirm the kidnapping of 02 of our colleagues this morning ... We ask for no speculation about the incident so as not to hinder its resolution," the ICRC in Mali had said at the time of the kidnapping. However, ICRC had not revealed any information regarding the kidnapping and the people who became the victim of it. The organisation also refrained disclosing the nationality of the people who were kidnapped. Also Read | Rights activists in Bosnia injured in attack following LGBT event ban: Reports Mali has been experiencing turmoil since 2012, especially in the northern part of the country. Tuareg rebellions in northern Mali launched an offensive on 17 January 2012 calling for autonomy for their nomadic desert tribe. The clashes has led to grave humanitarian crisis displacing millions of people. The violence also led to thousands of casualities in Mali. Moreover, the Malian army also inflicted losses of its soldiers along with the killing of civilians. Watch | After Iran-Saudi pact, China to play peacemaker in Ukraine war? With government losing its grip in some parts of the country, the incidents of kidnapping at the hands of separatist groups have become common. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Two kidnapped Red Cross workers released in Mali

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday called his country safer than the United States, days after a group of Americans were kidnapped and two of them were killed.

"Why this paranoia?" said Lopez Obrador said when quizzed by reporters about the recommendation of the US government to avoid travelling to Mexico or exercise increased precaution while visiting the country.

"Mexico is safer than the United States and there's no problem to travel through Mexico safely," he stated. The comments came days after four US citizens were abducted on March 3, out of which two were killed, after they crossed the border and entered northeastern Mexico, apparently so that one person could undergo cosmetic surgery.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-arrested-for-kidnapping-and-killing-of-us-citizens-in-mexico-570762">Five arrested for kidnapping and killing of US citizens in Mexico</a>

The officials on Friday confirmed that they have arrested five suspected drug cartel members for committing crimes of kidnapping and homicide after the incident which took place in Tamaulipas state.

As per the Mexican authorities, the Americans were mistaken by the drug traffickers as their rivals because of which they shot at them when the visitors tried to escape.

Plagued by cartel-related bloodshed, the Latin American country, has witnessed around 350,000 people being killed since the military was deployed by the government in the war on drugs in 2006.

WATCH | Two dead, two alive after Americans kidnapped in Mexico

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Tamaulipas is among six states of Mexico that the US government has warned the people to avoid visiting due to the risk of killing, kidnapping and other crimes.

The US State Department website advises that US citizens must reconsider travelling to seven other states, and increased caution must be exercised when visiting 17 states.

The US considers only Campeche and Yucatan, as safe places to visit with normal precautions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday called his country safer than the United States, days after a group of Americans were kidnapped and two of them were killed.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Monday called his country safer than the United States, days after a group of Americans were kidnapped and two of them were killed. "Why this paranoia?" said Lopez Obrador said when quizzed by reporters about the recommendation of the US government to avoid travelling to Mexico or exercise increased precaution while visiting the country. "Mexico is safer than the United States and there's no problem to travel through Mexico safely," he stated. The comments came days after four US citizens were abducted on March 3, out of which two were killed, after they crossed the border and entered northeastern Mexico, apparently so that one person could undergo cosmetic surgery. ALSO READ | Five arrested for kidnapping and killing of US citizens in Mexico The officials on Friday confirmed that they have arrested five suspected drug cartel members for committing crimes of kidnapping and homicide after the incident which took place in Tamaulipas state. As per the Mexican authorities, the Americans were mistaken by the drug traffickers as their rivals because of which they shot at them when the visitors tried to escape. Plagued by cartel-related bloodshed, the Latin American country, has witnessed around 350,000 people being killed since the military was deployed by the government in the war on drugs in 2006. WATCH | Two dead, two alive after Americans kidnapped in Mexico Tamaulipas is among six states of Mexico that the US government has warned the people to avoid visiting due to the risk of killing, kidnapping and other crimes. The US State Department website advises that US citizens must reconsider travelling to seven other states, and increased caution must be exercised when visiting 17 states. The US considers only Campeche and Yucatan, as safe places to visit with normal precautions. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

President Obrador calls Mexico safer than US despite recent kidnappings

The government authorities in Mexico arrested the five people who were suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of four US citizens, two of whom were killed, said officials on Friday.

The Tamaulipas state's prosecutor, where the crime took place, said on Twitter that they had executed a warrant for five people, charging them with kidnapping and homicide.

The five arrested are the same people who were left on a street with their hands tied by some alleged members of the Gulf Cartel, said a source in the prosecutor's office.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-us-citizens-killed-two-return-alive-in-mexico-kidnapping-case-569776">Two US citizens killed, two return alive in Mexico kidnapping case</a>

A statement was published by the local media, purportedly from the Gulf Cartel, on Thursday which stated that the group "apologises" for the incident.

It added that the group decided to hand over the perpetrators to authorities because the five people acted without getting any authorisation from their cartel bosses.

The four abductees had been&nbsp;taken away at gunpoint when&nbsp;they crossed the border and entered the crime-plagued Tamaulipas state on Friday. It was reported that one of the abductees had arrived 1to get cosmetic surgery.

The two survivors returned to the United States on Tuesday through the land border crossing, hours after the authorities rescued them.

The bodies of the two Americans killed were repatriated on Thursday, said authorities.

WATCH | Thousands in Mexico protest against electoral overhaul

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According to the Mexican authorities, the abductees were mistaken as rivals by the drug traffickers who shot at them when the Americans tried to escape. In the gunfire, a Mexican bystander was also killed.

It was previously reported by the prosecutor's office that another suspect was arrested who was caught guarding the captives.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The government authorities in Mexico arrested the five people who were suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of four US citizens, two of whom were killed, said officials on Friday.

The government authorities in Mexico arrested the five people who were suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of four US citizens, two of whom were killed, said officials on Friday. The Tamaulipas state's prosecutor, where the crime took place, said on Twitter that they had executed a warrant for five people, charging them with kidnapping and homicide. The five arrested are the same people who were left on a street with their hands tied by some alleged members of the Gulf Cartel, said a source in the prosecutor's office. ALSO READ | Two US citizens killed, two return alive in Mexico kidnapping case A statement was published by the local media, purportedly from the Gulf Cartel, on Thursday which stated that the group "apologises" for the incident. It added that the group decided to hand over the perpetrators to authorities because the five people acted without getting any authorisation from their cartel bosses. The four abductees had been taken away at gunpoint when they crossed the border and entered the crime-plagued Tamaulipas state on Friday. It was reported that one of the abductees had arrived 1to get cosmetic surgery. The two survivors returned to the United States on Tuesday through the land border crossing, hours after the authorities rescued them. The bodies of the two Americans killed were repatriated on Thursday, said authorities. WATCH | Thousands in Mexico protest against electoral overhaul According to the Mexican authorities, the abductees were mistaken as rivals by the drug traffickers who shot at them when the Americans tried to escape. In the gunfire, a Mexican bystander was also killed. It was previously reported by the prosecutor's office that another suspect was arrested who was caught guarding the captives. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Five arrested for kidnapping and killing of US citizens in Mexico

Four U.S. citizens have been kidnapped in Mexico. The Americans had just crossed over into Mexico when gunmen fired at the vehicle they were traveling in and directed them into another vehicle.

Four American citizens travelling to Mexico kidnapped at gunpoint

Four American citizens were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Mexico. Mexican officials confirm that four American citizens crossed the border to reach Mexico last week to buy medicine. The four men were travelling in a white minivan through the Mexican city of Matamoros when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them. Video revealed them being put in a pickup truck by heavily armed men. &nbsp;

According to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the four American men had a confrontation with the other group of men after which they were detained.&nbsp;

The US Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar told a different story in his statement. He said that the four American men were kidnapped at gunpoint and an ‘innocent’ Mexican citizen died in the attack. He said various US justice agencies were working with their Mexican counterparts to recover the missing persons. The authorities concerned from both sides have not provided any further details about the victims or the event.&nbsp;

According to a report by CNN, the four Americans who got kidnapped on Friday were a tight-knit group of friends from South Carolina. They were travelling to Mexico to help the mother of one of them so that she could undergo a medical procedure across the border.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened after four American citizens crossed the border over to Mexico?</h2>

The four American men came under gunfire from the men shortly after crossing the border on Friday through the city of Matamoros, in the Tamaulipas state, across from Brownsville, Texas. The victims crossed into Mexico in a white minivan with a North Carolina license plate, the FBI said. Shortly after, the gunmen fired upon the passengers in the vehicle. Afterwards, the four Americans were placed in another vehicle and taken away from the scene by the men.&nbsp;

Tamaulipas’ chief prosecutor, Irving Barrios, said a Mexican woman died in the attack. It is not clear whether she was killed in the same gunfight where the kidnapping took place.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden had been informed of the situation, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. She declined to answer other questions, citing privacy concerns.

<h2>Who are the four American kidnapped in Mexico?</h2>

The names of all four victims are not revealed by the authorities to maintain secrecy. But Zalandria Brown of Florence, South Carolina, said she has been in contact with the FBI and local officials after learning that her younger brother, Zindell Brown, is one of the four victims.&nbsp;

<h2>Matamoros, Mexico</h2>

Matamoros is a city located across the US border from Brownsville, Texas. The city has been notorious for its growing violence which is majorly related to drug trafficking and other organised crimes. Tamnaulipas' highways are considered among the most dangerous in Mexico due to the threat of kidnapping and extortion by criminal gangs.&nbsp;

The US consulate in Matamoros had issued an alert on Friday warning of police activity in connection with a shooting in the city. The US State Department advises against travel to Tamaulipas due to crime and kidnapping.&nbsp;

"Organized crime activity,&nbsp;including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault, is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria," the state capital, according to a US travel advisory.&nbsp;

<h2>What did Zindell Brown’s sister said&nbsp;about her brother’s kidnapping?</h2>

Brown said her brother, who lives in South Carolina, and her three friends were extremely close to each other. They had planned to split up driving duties for the trip. They were aware of the dangers in Mexico.&nbsp;

"Zindell kept saying, ‘We shouldn’t go down,'" Brown said. “This is like a bad dream you wish you could wake up from. To see a member of your family thrown in the back of a truck and dragged is just unbelievable.”

<h2>Mexico- a popular destination for cheaper medical treatments</h2>

Mexico has become a popular destination for ‘medical tourism’ that attracts a lot of travellers who want cheaper alternatives or medical treatments that are unapproved in the US. The CDC had already warned of this growing trend as it might carry dangerous risks depending on the destination and facility, including infection and possible post-procedure complications.&nbsp;

<h2>Search and investigation for missing Americans underway</h2>

Investigators trying to locate the US citizens and identify those involved in the alleged kidnapping have been working to gather surveillance footage, collect ballistics and fingerprint evidence, take biological samples for genetic profiles and process the vehicles involved, Tamaulipas officials said.

A joint task force of federal and state agencies has been created for processing all the information and maintaining constant communication with the US officials, Barrios Mojica, the Tamaulipas Attorney General, said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Four American citizens were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Mexico. Mexican officials confirm that four American citizens crossed the border to reach Mexico last week to buy medicine.

Four American citizens were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen in Mexico. Mexican officials confirm that four American citizens crossed the border to reach Mexico last week to buy medicine. The four men were travelling in a white minivan through the Mexican city of Matamoros when unidentified gunmen opened fire on them. Video revealed them being put in a pickup truck by heavily armed men. According to Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the four American men had a confrontation with the other group of men after which they were detained. The US Ambassador to Mexico, Ken Salazar told a different story in his statement. He said that the four American men were kidnapped at gunpoint and an ‘innocent’ Mexican citizen died in the attack. He said various US justice agencies were working with their Mexican counterparts to recover the missing persons. The authorities concerned from both sides have not provided any further details about the victims or the event. According to a report by CNN, the four Americans who got kidnapped on Friday were a tight-knit group of friends from South Carolina. They were travelling to Mexico to help the mother of one of them so that she could undergo a medical procedure across the border. What happened after four American citizens crossed the border over to Mexico? The four American men came under gunfire from the men shortly after crossing the border on Friday through the city of Matamoros, in the Tamaulipas state, across from Brownsville, Texas. The victims crossed into Mexico in a white minivan with a North Carolina license plate, the FBI said. Shortly after, the gunmen fired upon the passengers in the vehicle. Afterwards, the four Americans were placed in another vehicle and taken away from the scene by the men. Tamaulipas’ chief prosecutor, Irving Barrios, said a Mexican woman died in the attack. It is not clear whether she was killed in the same gunfight where the kidnapping took place. President Joe Biden had been informed of the situation, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. She declined to answer other questions, citing privacy concerns. Who are the four American kidnapped in Mexico? The names of all four victims are not revealed by the authorities to maintain secrecy. But Zalandria Brown of Florence, South Carolina, said she has been in contact with the FBI and local officials after learning that her younger brother, Zindell Brown, is one of the four victims. Matamoros, Mexico Matamoros is a city located across the US border from Brownsville, Texas. The city has been notorious for its growing violence which is majorly related to drug trafficking and other organised crimes. Tamnaulipas' highways are considered among the most dangerous in Mexico due to the threat of kidnapping and extortion by criminal gangs. The US consulate in Matamoros had issued an alert on Friday warning of police activity in connection with a shooting in the city. The US State Department advises against travel to Tamaulipas due to crime and kidnapping. "Organized crime activity, including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault, is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria," the state capital, according to a US travel advisory. What did Zindell Brown’s sister said about her brother’s kidnapping? Brown said her brother, who lives in South Carolina, and her three friends were extremely close to each other. They had planned to split up driving duties for the trip. They were aware of the dangers in Mexico. "Zindell kept saying, ‘We shouldn’t go down,'" Brown said. “This is like a bad dream you wish you could wake up from. To see a member of your family thrown in the back of a truck and dragged is just unbelievable.” Mexico- a popular destination for cheaper medical treatments Mexico has become a popular destination for ‘medical tourism’ that attracts a lot of travellers who want cheaper alternatives or medical treatments that are unapproved in the US. The CDC had already warned of this growing trend as it might carry dangerous risks depending on the destination and facility, including infection and possible post-procedure complications. Search and investigation for missing Americans underway Investigators trying to locate the US citizens and identify those involved in the alleged kidnapping have been working to gather surveillance footage, collect ballistics and fingerprint evidence, take biological samples for genetic profiles and process the vehicles involved, Tamaulipas officials said. A joint task force of federal and state agencies has been created for processing all the information and maintaining constant communication with the US officials, Barrios Mojica, the Tamaulipas Attorney General, said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Four Americans kidnapped in Mexican city of Matamoros- What we know so far

In South Africa, ransom kidnappings are on the rise and the Ethiopian communities in particular feel that Ethiopian businessmen are being specifically targeted. The community has been staging several demonstrations all across the country. WION correspondent Kalden Ongmu filed this report.

World of Africa: Massive spike in kidnappings in South Africa

Police in Florida found two children in a supermarket who were reported missing in Missouri nearly a year ago. Brooke Gilley and Adrian Gilley were found in a Winn-Dixie store in Florida with their non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, said High Springs Police Department on February 1.&nbsp;

Kristi Nicole Gilley (36) already had an arrest warrant against her in Clay County, Missouri. She was arrested under kidnapping charges. She was caught with the children after police checked the tag on her vehicle to find out that she was a fugitive.&nbsp;

Adrian and Brooke, the children, were missing since March 5, 2022.

The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) issued an online statement saying that Kristi Nicole Gilley was shopping with Adrian and Brooke after disguising their identities.

As per the police statement, the children were turned over to Florida Department of Children and Families Services. They will be united with their birth family.

Here is the full statement from the police.

"On February 1, 2023, HSPD located two abducted Missouri children and their abductor after a routine vehicle tag check indicated the vehicle owner was a fugitive.&nbsp;

Officers located the trio shopping in Winn Dixie, after disguising their identities.&nbsp;

The non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, DOB 01-01-1987, was detained and arrested on an active &nbsp;kidnapping warrant out of Clay County, Missouri.&nbsp;

The children were turned over to the Florida Department of Children and Families Services and will be reunited with their birth family.&nbsp;

*MISSING JUVENILES*

Brooke and Adrian Gilley have been missing since 3/15/2022 and may be in the company of their non-custodial mother. We are working with National Center for Missing &amp; Exploited Children to bring them home safely!"

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Police in Florida found two children in a supermarket who were reported missing in Missouri nearly a year ago. Brooke Gilley and Adrian Gilley were found in a Winn-Dixie store in Florida with their non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, said High Springs Police Department on February 1.

Police in Florida found two children in a supermarket who were reported missing in Missouri nearly a year ago. Brooke Gilley and Adrian Gilley were found in a Winn-Dixie store in Florida with their non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, said High Springs Police Department on February 1. Kristi Nicole Gilley (36) already had an arrest warrant against her in Clay County, Missouri. She was arrested under kidnapping charges. She was caught with the children after police checked the tag on her vehicle to find out that she was a fugitive. Adrian and Brooke, the children, were missing since March 5, 2022. The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) issued an online statement saying that Kristi Nicole Gilley was shopping with Adrian and Brooke after disguising their identities. As per the police statement, the children were turned over to Florida Department of Children and Families Services. They will be united with their birth family. Here is the full statement from the police. "On February 1, 2023, HSPD located two abducted Missouri children and their abductor after a routine vehicle tag check indicated the vehicle owner was a fugitive. Officers located the trio shopping in Winn Dixie, after disguising their identities. The non-custodial mother, Kristi Nicole Gilley, DOB 01-01-1987, was detained and arrested on an active kidnapping warrant out of Clay County, Missouri. The children were turned over to the Florida Department of Children and Families Services and will be reunited with their birth family. *MISSING JUVENILES* Brooke and Adrian Gilley have been missing since 3/15/2022 and may be in the company of their non-custodial mother. We are working with National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to bring them home safely!" You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Children reported missing year ago found in supermarket thousand miles away

What does a captivity of eight years in a windowless cellar do to a person? A documentary has been created on the actual circumstances of Natascha Kampusch's kidnapping in 1998 when she was 10 years old. She was abducted in broad daylight. For 3096 days, Wolfgang Priklopil held her captive in a cellar. When she eventually escaped the cellar in 2006, a lot of rumours about her life began to circulate. Where is Natascha Kampusch now? Is Wolfgang Priklopil alive? Why was she kidnapped at all? What all Natascha Kampusch went through during her eight years in hell?&nbsp;

<h2>Natascha Kampusch kidnapping</h2>

Natascha Kampusch was kidnapped from the street in Vienna on March 2, 1998, by Wolfgang Priklopil as she made her way to school. Natascha was just 10 years old when she was abducted. It led to one of the biggest missing person searches in Austria but there were no leads. The hunt for Natascha's whereabouts changed after reports that she had been seen being carried into a white minivan by two guys.

<h2>What happened with Natascha Kampusch in captivity?&nbsp;</h2>

In a hidden, windowless cellar of Priklopil's home in Strasshof, a small town northeast of Vienna, Natascha was held captive. Here, she suffered sexual and physical torture and was first forbidden from leaving the cellar under any circumstances. She was compelled to cook and clean for Priklopil as access to additional rooms of the house was gradually granted to her. He made books and radio available to her and had no problem with her finishing her education on her own.

Eventually, Priklopil agreed to let Natascha join him for holidays, despite her claims that he constantly monitored her and provided no escape routes. On 23 August, 2006, Natascha, who was 18 at the time, was given permission to vacuum his car in the Priklopil family's driveway. He briefly disappeared from view and went away from the vacuum's roar when he got a call. Natascha utilised this window of opportunity to flee, dashing to a neighbour's home and introducing herself. Natascha was reunited with her family when the police were contacted.

<h2>Natascha Kampusch&nbsp;Stockholm Syndrome Theory</h2>

Natascha Kampusch allegedly made comments suggesting she felt sorry for her captor, it was assumed that she had Stockholm Syndrome. Natascha, however, believes that this phrase is "disrespectful" to her.

<h2>Priklopil wanted&nbsp;Natascha Kampusch to feel like Nazi&nbsp;</h2>

As per reports, one of Priklopil&nbsp;motives for her kidnap was due to his admiration of Hitler. Priklopil wanted her to feel like she was victim of the Nazis. Natascha after her escape said "He gave me little to eat, little clothes, humiliated me, let me do heavy work and shaved my head. He admired Adolf Hitler and wanted me to feel like the Nazi victims."

<h2>Where is&nbsp;Natascha Kampusch now?&nbsp;</h2>

Currently, Natascha Kampusch works as an author, television host, and activist. She eventually authored two books on her time in captivity despite first being reluctant to talk about her experience. In September 2010, she published her debut book, 3096 Tage (3096 Days), which was adapted into a movie the following year. Her second book, 10 Years of Freedom, was published in August 2016 to coincide with the tenth anniversary of her escape. She was granted Priklopil's house, and although though she doesn't live there, she continues to pay the house's expenses and maintenance.

<h2>Is&nbsp;Priklopil alive now?&nbsp;</h2>

The day Natascha Kampusch made her escape, Wolfgang Priklopil passed away. He threw himself under a train in fear of the consequences of her escape.&nbsp;

<h2>When and where to watch The Girl In The Cellar: 8 Years Underground?&nbsp;</h2>

The documentary The Girl In The Cellar: 8 Years Underground was aired on 17 January, 2023 at 10:00 PM. The documentary can be streamed on Channel 5.

What does a captivity of eight years in a windowless cellar do to a person? A documentary has been created on the actual circumstances of Natascha Kampusch's kidnapping in 1998 when she was 10 years old.

What does a captivity of eight years in a windowless cellar do to a person? A documentary has been created on the actual circumstances of Natascha Kampusch's kidnapping in 1998 when she was 10 years old. She was abducted in broad daylight. For 3096 days, Wolfgang Priklopil held her captive in a cellar. When she eventually escaped the cellar in 2006, a lot of rumours about her life began to circulate. Where is Natascha Kampusch now? Is Wolfgang Priklopil alive? Why was she kidnapped at all? What all Natascha Kampusch went through during her eight years in hell? Natascha Kampusch kidnapping Natascha Kampusch was kidnapped from the street in Vienna on March 2, 1998, by Wolfgang Priklopil as she made her way to school. Natascha was just 10 years old when she was abducted. It led to one of the biggest missing person searches in Austria but there were no leads. The hunt for Natascha's whereabouts changed after reports that she had been seen being carried into a white minivan by two guys. What happened with Natascha Kampusch in captivity? In a hidden, windowless cellar of Priklopil's home in Strasshof, a small town northeast of Vienna, Natascha was held captive. Here, she suffered sexual and physical torture and was first forbidden from leaving the cellar under any circumstances. She was compelled to cook and clean for Priklopil as access to additional rooms of the house was gradually granted to her. He made books and radio available to her and had no problem with her finishing her education on her own. Eventually, Priklopil agreed to let Natascha join him for holidays, despite her claims that he constantly monitored her and provided no escape routes. On 23 August, 2006, Natascha, who was 18 at the time, was given permission to vacuum his car in the Priklopil family's driveway. He briefly disappeared from view and went away from the vacuum's roar when he got a call. Natascha utilised this window of opportunity to flee, dashing to a neighbour's home and introducing herself. Natascha was reunited with her family when the police were contacted. Natascha Kampusch Stockholm Syndrome Theory Natascha Kampusch allegedly made comments suggesting she felt sorry for her captor, it was assumed that she had Stockholm Syndrome. Natascha, however, believes that this phrase is "disrespectful" to her. Priklopil wanted Natascha Kampusch to feel like Nazi As per reports, one of Priklopil motives for her kidnap was due to his admiration of Hitler. Priklopil wanted her to feel like she was victim of the Nazis. Natascha after her escape said "He gave me little to eat, little clothes, humiliated me, let me do heavy work and shaved my head. He admired Adolf Hitler and wanted me to feel like the Nazi victims." Where is Natascha Kampusch now? Currently, Natascha Kampusch works as an author, television host, and activist. She eventually authored two books on her time in captivity despite first being reluctant to talk about her experience. In September 2010, she published her debut book, 3096 Tage (3096 Days), which was adapted into a movie the following year. Her second book, 10 Years of Freedom, was published in August 2016 to coincide with the tenth anniversary of her escape. She was granted Priklopil's house, and although though she doesn't live there, she continues to pay the house's expenses and maintenance. Is Priklopil alive now? The day Natascha Kampusch made her escape, Wolfgang Priklopil passed away. He threw himself under a train in fear of the consequences of her escape. When and where to watch The Girl In The Cellar: 8 Years Underground? The documentary The Girl In The Cellar: 8 Years Underground was aired on 17 January, 2023 at 10:00 PM. The documentary can be streamed on Channel 5.

How did Natascha Kampusch, the girl in the cellar, escape her kidnapper's house?

South Africa has seen a huge spike in child kidnapping and murder in the last few months. Civil organisations are worried that the country is losing its fight against this menace. Our reporter Kalden Ongmu has filed this story.

World of Africa: South Africa's 'missing' children

The search for a family of four kidnapped in California ended Wednesday with authorities recovering their bodies from a rural farm area days after being abducted at gunpoint.

A kidnapped Sikh family of four has been found dead in California

It is often said that reality is stranger than fiction. An incident from the Indian&nbsp;state of Uttar Pradesh may just prove the above adage even more accurately. Reportedly, a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of his wife. However, as it turns out, the wife was alive and living at her sister’s home.&nbsp;

The victim named Kandhai got married to Ramvati in 2006. Both hailed from the same village named Jamapur. However, on one fine spring day in February 2009, Ramvati, mysteriously went missing as Kandhai and other family members&nbsp;searched for her.

Later, as it happens in most such cases, suspicion was cast on Kandhai, the husband. The&nbsp;family members of Ramvati lodged a complaint against him for kidnapping and murder. Over the course of&nbsp;next eight years,&nbsp;Kandhai found himself in the middle of a legal battle, for a crime&nbsp;he didn’t commit.

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cases-of-runaway-kids-soar-in-indias-mumbai-railways-take-steps-to-ensure-protection-of-kids-502353">Cases of runaway kids soar in India's Mumbai; Railways take steps to ensure protection of kids</a>

The court in 2017 even sentenced him to a prison term of 10 years. Thereafter, Kandhai moved the High court and managed to get bail after serving six years in prison.

However, the tag of a kidnapper and murderer still lay with Kandhai. But all changed last week on Saturday when one of&nbsp;Kandhai’s relatives spotted his wife Ramvati at her sister and brother-in-law’s home.&nbsp;

“Kandhai later informed his other relatives who reached the spot, only to be joined by the entire village population outside the residence of Ramvati’s brother-in-law to witness the impossible,” the police stated.

What Kandhai and the entire village saw there, left them astonished. Ramvati was alive and present before them in flesh and blood. A police team, including women officers, led by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Ramgaon, Sanjay Singh arrived at the spot and confirmed the ‘discovery’.

Read More<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/indian-court-compares-a-wife-removing-mangalsutra-to-mental-cruelty-internet-reacts-497600">:&nbsp;Indian court compares a wife removing mangalsutra to `mental cruelty`. Internet reacts!</a>

Ramvati was later taken to a shelter home where violence victims are kept. She will be produced in the court soon, from where the remaining trajectory of the case will be decided.

(With inputs from agencies)

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It is often said that reality is stranger than fiction. An incident from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh may just prove the above adage even more accurately. Reportedly, a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of his wife.

It is often said that reality is stranger than fiction. An incident from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh may just prove the above adage even more accurately. Reportedly, a man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murder of his wife. However, as it turns out, the wife was alive and living at her sister’s home. The victim named Kandhai got married to Ramvati in 2006. Both hailed from the same village named Jamapur. However, on one fine spring day in February 2009, Ramvati, mysteriously went missing as Kandhai and other family members searched for her. Later, as it happens in most such cases, suspicion was cast on Kandhai, the husband. The family members of Ramvati lodged a complaint against him for kidnapping and murder. Over the course of next eight years, Kandhai found himself in the middle of a legal battle, for a crime he didn’t commit. Read More: Cases of runaway kids soar in India's Mumbai; Railways take steps to ensure protection of kids The court in 2017 even sentenced him to a prison term of 10 years. Thereafter, Kandhai moved the High court and managed to get bail after serving six years in prison. However, the tag of a kidnapper and murderer still lay with Kandhai. But all changed last week on Saturday when one of Kandhai’s relatives spotted his wife Ramvati at her sister and brother-in-law’s home. “Kandhai later informed his other relatives who reached the spot, only to be joined by the entire village population outside the residence of Ramvati’s brother-in-law to witness the impossible,” the police stated. What Kandhai and the entire village saw there, left them astonished. Ramvati was alive and present before them in flesh and blood. A police team, including women officers, led by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Ramgaon, Sanjay Singh arrived at the spot and confirmed the ‘discovery’. Read More: Indian court compares a wife removing mangalsutra to `mental cruelty`. Internet reacts! Ramvati was later taken to a shelter home where violence victims are kept. She will be produced in the court soon, from where the remaining trajectory of the case will be decided. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Murderer’ husband was given 10 years prison sentence, wife found alive at sister’s home

Around 550 American women who use the ride-hailing service to book rides are suing Uber on the grounds that drivers there sexually assaulted them. The complaint, which was submitted on Wednesday, claims that female passengers who had been matched with Uber drivers through the app had been "kidnapped, sexually assaulted, sexually battered, raped, falsely imprisoned, stalked, harassed, or otherwise attacked" by those drivers in a number of different states.

These most recent allegations came just days after the so-called Uber Files, a cache of more than 124,000 documents covering the years 2013 to 2017 that reveal the company's history of illegal activity, covert lobbying, and unethical behaviour, were made public.

"Putting growth before safety"

The lawsuit claims that despite knowing that its drivers were raping and sexually abusing female passengers as early as 2014, sexual predators operating under the Uber brand continued to target victims. In its place, Uber is charged with putting "expansion over customer safety". 
 
Watch | The Full Context: Leaked documents shed light on the ruthless expansion tactics of Uber

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According to Adam Slater, founding partner of Slater Slater Schulman, "Uber's entire business model is built on providing individuals with a safe ride home, yet rider safety was never their focus – growth was, at the expense of their passengers' safety."

Although the firm has just addressed the sexual assault crisis, its real response has been delayed and insufficient, leading to terrible outcomes.

The complaint was filed in response to Uber's release of its second US Safety Report, which stated that there will be 998 reported instances of sexual assault in 2020, including 141 accusations of rape.

In addition, the report stated that in 2019 and 2020, Uber has received 3,824 reports of the five most serious types of sexual assault. These include rape as well as "non-consensual sexual penetration" or "non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual bodily area." In its inaugural safety report, which covers the years 2017 and 2018, the ride-hailing app discovered 5,981 incidents of sexual assault in these five categories.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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Around 550 American women who use the ride-hailing service to book rides are suing Uber on the grounds that drivers there sexually assaulted them. The complaint, which was submitted on Wednesday, claims that female passengers who had been matched with Uber drivers through the app had been "kidnapped, sexually assaulted, sexually battered, raped, falsely imprisoned, stalked, harassed, or otherwise attacked" by those drivers in a number of different states.

Around 550 American women who use the ride-hailing service to book rides are suing Uber on the grounds that drivers there sexually assaulted them. The complaint, which was submitted on Wednesday, claims that female passengers who had been matched with Uber drivers through the app had been "kidnapped, sexually assaulted, sexually battered, raped, falsely imprisoned, stalked, harassed, or otherwise attacked" by those drivers in a number of different states. These most recent allegations came just days after the so-called Uber Files, a cache of more than 124,000 documents covering the years 2013 to 2017 that reveal the company's history of illegal activity, covert lobbying, and unethical behaviour, were made public. "Putting growth before safety" The lawsuit claims that despite knowing that its drivers were raping and sexually abusing female passengers as early as 2014, sexual predators operating under the Uber brand continued to target victims. In its place, Uber is charged with putting "expansion over customer safety". Watch | The Full Context: Leaked documents shed light on the ruthless expansion tactics of Uber According to Adam Slater, founding partner of Slater Slater Schulman, "Uber's entire business model is built on providing individuals with a safe ride home, yet rider safety was never their focus – growth was, at the expense of their passengers' safety." Although the firm has just addressed the sexual assault crisis, its real response has been delayed and insufficient, leading to terrible outcomes. The complaint was filed in response to Uber's release of its second US Safety Report, which stated that there will be 998 reported instances of sexual assault in 2020, including 141 accusations of rape. In addition, the report stated that in 2019 and 2020, Uber has received 3,824 reports of the five most serious types of sexual assault. These include rape as well as "non-consensual sexual penetration" or "non-consensual kissing of a non-sexual bodily area." In its inaugural safety report, which covers the years 2017 and 2018, the ride-hailing app discovered 5,981 incidents of sexual assault in these five categories. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

550 women sue Uber over allegations including kidnapping and sexual assault

After an ACCI senior adviser to the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, Mohammad Dawood Musa was killed by a gunman at his home in the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul, the organisation has expressed concern over what it says is an increasing trend in the killings of businessmen.

According to media reports Dawood died after being taken to hospital.&nbsp;Dawood’s relatives said that the gunman first took him out of the car and then a man shot him in the heart about a meter away, following which the perpetrators fled.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/female-foreign-ministers-call-on-taliban-to-lift-restrictions-on-afghan-women-460886">Female Foreign Ministers of 17 countries call on Taliban to lift restrictions on Afghan women</a>

Expressing concern, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) in Afghanistan said that, “killings and kidnappings of businessmen have increased the country.”

While mentioning the raised concerns among the country’s businessmen, ACCI said that the Islamic emirate should pay serious attention to this matter.

As per the Chamber of Commerce and Investment&nbsp;that Musa played a key role in drafting the Afghanistan-Pakistan Investment Law, tax law and transit agreements.

ACCI also added that Mohammad Dawood Musa represented Mercedes-Benz in Afghanistan and played a key role in the growth of the country's private sector.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/new-face-of-afghanistan-women-march-in-support-of-taliban-412337">New face of Afghanistan? Women march in support of Taliban</a>

“I ask the Islamic Emirate to find the killer of Dawood Musa and bring him to justice,” said Khanjan Alokozai, a member of the board of the ACCI said in an interview with&nbsp;Tolo news.

“In the private sector, this is a huge loss. In the future, the Islamic Emirate must pay attention to protecting the lives and property of traders,” said Naqibullah Safi, chairman of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce.

Another businessman in the construction sector was also injured by kidnappers on Sunday.

There were reports that the head of the federation Khwaja Mir Mujahid and his brother has been abducted by some unknown people in Kabul on Sunday.

Watch |&nbsp;Conference on Afghanistan: How can extremism be countered?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/conference-on-afghanistan-how-can-extremism-be-countered-459703/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"Power lifting federation officials say that Khawja Mir Mujahid, head of the federation has been disappeared since Sunday this week. Reportedly unknown gunmen abducted Mujahid and his brother from the PD-15 area in northern #Kabul city," a media report said.

Apart from these, reports also indicate that the Taliban severely tortured a local journalist named Malouf Ashrafi.

(With inputs from agencies)

After an ACCI senior adviser to the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, Mohammad Dawood Musa was killed by a gunman at his home in the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul, the organisation has expressed concern over what it says is an increasing trend in the killings of businessmen.

After an ACCI senior adviser to the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, Mohammad Dawood Musa was killed by a gunman at his home in the capital city of Afghanistan, Kabul, the organisation has expressed concern over what it says is an increasing trend in the killings of businessmen. According to media reports Dawood died after being taken to hospital. Dawood’s relatives said that the gunman first took him out of the car and then a man shot him in the heart about a meter away, following which the perpetrators fled. Also read | Female Foreign Ministers of 17 countries call on Taliban to lift restrictions on Afghan women Expressing concern, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) in Afghanistan said that, “killings and kidnappings of businessmen have increased the country.” While mentioning the raised concerns among the country’s businessmen, ACCI said that the Islamic emirate should pay serious attention to this matter. As per the Chamber of Commerce and Investment that Musa played a key role in drafting the Afghanistan-Pakistan Investment Law, tax law and transit agreements. ACCI also added that Mohammad Dawood Musa represented Mercedes-Benz in Afghanistan and played a key role in the growth of the country's private sector. Also read | New face of Afghanistan? Women march in support of Taliban “I ask the Islamic Emirate to find the killer of Dawood Musa and bring him to justice,” said Khanjan Alokozai, a member of the board of the ACCI said in an interview with Tolo news. “In the private sector, this is a huge loss. In the future, the Islamic Emirate must pay attention to protecting the lives and property of traders,” said Naqibullah Safi, chairman of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce. Another businessman in the construction sector was also injured by kidnappers on Sunday. There were reports that the head of the federation Khwaja Mir Mujahid and his brother has been abducted by some unknown people in Kabul on Sunday. Watch | Conference on Afghanistan: How can extremism be countered? "Power lifting federation officials say that Khawja Mir Mujahid, head of the federation has been disappeared since Sunday this week. Reportedly unknown gunmen abducted Mujahid and his brother from the PD-15 area in northern #Kabul city," a media report said. Apart from these, reports also indicate that the Taliban severely tortured a local journalist named Malouf Ashrafi. (With inputs from agencies)

Killings, kidnappings of businessmen have increased in the country: Afghanistan's Chamber of Commerce

Sherri Papini, the northern California woman arrested last week for allegedly lying to federal agents and faking her own kidnapping in 2016, was released from jail oHer family posted a $120,000 bond for her release.

Her release was approved by a judge on the condition that she undergo psychiatric treatment and surrender her passport.

During a virtual detention hearing, Jeremy D Peterson, US magistrate judge, agreed with Papini's lawyer that she was not a flight risk or a threat to the community.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-beyond-essential-on-womens-day-brazils-sexist-president-backtracks-from-menstrual-poverty-row-460412" hreflang="en">'You are beyond essential': On women's day, Brazil's sexist President backtracks from 'menstrual poverty' row</a>

On Thursday, Papani was arrested for lying to federal agents about the kidnapping and for defrauding the state's victims' compensation board of $30,000.

In her argument against her release, deputy US attorney Veronica Alegria said Papini screamed "no" and ran away from FBI agents when they attempted to arrest her last week. Papini's lawyer argued that Papini was running towards her children.

A search for Papini, a resident of Redding, dragged on for three weeks in California and several nearby states before she was found on Thanksgiving Day in 2016. Among her injuries were a swollen nose, bindings on her body, and a "brand" on her shoulder.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-is-why-some-people-develop-life-threatening-covid-19-while-others-get-no-symptoms-at-all-460420" hreflang="en">This is why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all</a>

She provided extensive details of her purported abduction, including descriptions of the two Latinas who supposedly held her at gunpoint, to an FBI sketch artist who then drew a sketch based on the descriptions.

According to authorities, she had actually moved nearly 600 miles away from her Orange County, California, home to live with a former boyfriend. She then injured herself to substantiate her false statements.

It is estimated that Papini's abduction hoax cost Shasta county, state and federal taxpayers, crime victims and donors more than $200,000.

Her arrest sent shockwaves throughout the small town of Redding, even though local investigators questioned her account at the time. Last week, Papini's family responded to the arrest by saying they were "appalled," but didn't directly contest the FBI's findings.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sherri Papini, the northern California woman arrested last week for allegedly lying to federal agents and faking her own kidnapping in 2016, was released from jail oHer family posted a $120,000 bond for her release.

Sherri Papini, the northern California woman arrested last week for allegedly lying to federal agents and faking her own kidnapping in 2016, was released from jail oHer family posted a $120,000 bond for her release. Her release was approved by a judge on the condition that she undergo psychiatric treatment and surrender her passport. During a virtual detention hearing, Jeremy D Peterson, US magistrate judge, agreed with Papini's lawyer that she was not a flight risk or a threat to the community. Also read | 'You are beyond essential': On women's day, Brazil's sexist President backtracks from 'menstrual poverty' row On Thursday, Papani was arrested for lying to federal agents about the kidnapping and for defrauding the state's victims' compensation board of $30,000. In her argument against her release, deputy US attorney Veronica Alegria said Papini screamed "no" and ran away from FBI agents when they attempted to arrest her last week. Papini's lawyer argued that Papini was running towards her children. A search for Papini, a resident of Redding, dragged on for three weeks in California and several nearby states before she was found on Thanksgiving Day in 2016. Among her injuries were a swollen nose, bindings on her body, and a "brand" on her shoulder. Also read | This is why some people develop life-threatening COVID-19, while others get no symptoms at all She provided extensive details of her purported abduction, including descriptions of the two Latinas who supposedly held her at gunpoint, to an FBI sketch artist who then drew a sketch based on the descriptions. According to authorities, she had actually moved nearly 600 miles away from her Orange County, California, home to live with a former boyfriend. She then injured herself to substantiate her false statements. It is estimated that Papini's abduction hoax cost Shasta county, state and federal taxpayers, crime victims and donors more than $200,000. Her arrest sent shockwaves throughout the small town of Redding, even though local investigators questioned her account at the time. Last week, Papini's family responded to the arrest by saying they were "appalled," but didn't directly contest the FBI's findings. (With inputs from agencies)

Sherri Papini, the jogger whose kidnapping hoax cost taxpayers $200,000, released on bail

Robbery is on the rise in US. However, instead of jewellery and cash, the thieves have been on the hunt for French bulldogs.

From New York to Los Angeles, and from Miami to Chicago, thefts of the sought-after canines have been on the rise, with many in the local media calling it “the rise of dognapping”.

The latest victim of the robbery was a Los Angeles resident. On January 3, Robert Marinelli was walking his dog Luca in the morning in West Hollywood when a man in a black sedan got out of his car, took the dog and ran.

Marinelli chased after the suspect, but the thief fought him and drove off, according to surveillance camera footage from the crime scene, reports ABC news.

During the chase, Marinelli's shirt was caught in their car door and he was dragged briefly on the ground. The two thieves beat him brutally, leaving him with extensive injuries.

But the most famous case was of singer Lady Gaga. Last year, armed men stole her pet bulldogs Koji and Gustav when an employee of hers was walking them. The thieves opened fire at him, leaving him severely wounded.

The superstar singer had to offer $500,000 reward for their return and eventually got the dogs back. Police made five arrests in the case.

But why are thieves targeting the French bulldogs?

Among other reasons, experts opine that there are two key motives for the thieves to go after the prized breed. Their high resale value — $3,500 to $5,000 or more — and their relative rarity, reported AFP.

“This is not a breed that has large litters... and it can take a while to get one," Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of the American Kennel Club, told AFP.

“Their rise in popularity has led to an increase in thefts,” she said, adding, “The use of violence, however, is new and alarming.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Robbery is on the rise in US. However, instead of jewellery and cash, the thieves have been on the hunt for French bulldogs. From New York to Los Angeles, and from Miami to Chicago, thefts of the sought-after canines have been on the rise, with many in the local media calling it “the rise of dognapping”.

Robbery is on the rise in US. However, instead of jewellery and cash, the thieves have been on the hunt for French bulldogs. From New York to Los Angeles, and from Miami to Chicago, thefts of the sought-after canines have been on the rise, with many in the local media calling it “the rise of dognapping”. The latest victim of the robbery was a Los Angeles resident. On January 3, Robert Marinelli was walking his dog Luca in the morning in West Hollywood when a man in a black sedan got out of his car, took the dog and ran. Marinelli chased after the suspect, but the thief fought him and drove off, according to surveillance camera footage from the crime scene, reports ABC news. During the chase, Marinelli's shirt was caught in their car door and he was dragged briefly on the ground. The two thieves beat him brutally, leaving him with extensive injuries. But the most famous case was of singer Lady Gaga. Last year, armed men stole her pet bulldogs Koji and Gustav when an employee of hers was walking them. The thieves opened fire at him, leaving him severely wounded. The superstar singer had to offer $500,000 reward for their return and eventually got the dogs back. Police made five arrests in the case. But why are thieves targeting the French bulldogs? Among other reasons, experts opine that there are two key motives for the thieves to go after the prized breed. Their high resale value — $3,500 to $5,000 or more — and their relative rarity, reported AFP. “This is not a breed that has large litters... and it can take a while to get one," Brandi Hunter Munden, vice president of the American Kennel Club, told AFP. “Their rise in popularity has led to an increase in thefts,” she said, adding, “The use of violence, however, is new and alarming.” (With inputs from agencies)

The curious case of ‘dognapping’: French bulldog thefts on the rise in US

After successfully saving a four-year-old girl who was abducted on October 16, the Australian Police has now released audio of the moment they had found the little girl.<o:p></o:p>

Four-year-old Cleo Smith had disappeared from her family’s tent at a campsite on October 16. When the parents reported her to be missing, the police department and locals launched a massive search party.

<o:p></o:p>

During one of the search drives, Cleo was found in locked house in Carnarvon, which is just six minutes' drive away from her family’s home. The officers reported that the little was girl was playing with toys in a lighted house but was very alert and aware.

<o:p></o:p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"My name is Cleo." <a href="https://t.co/xiy59x4kjP">pic.twitter.com/xiy59x4kjP</a>
— WA Police Force (@WA_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/WA_Police/status/1456102974502047744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"My name is Cleo,"&nbsp;the little girl can be heard saying in the audio released by the Australian Police from the time they had discovered Cleo.<o:p></o:p>

Detective Sergeant Cameron Blaine was the officer who had rescued little Cleo. He said he asked her name to be very sure that it was Cleo. The police officers could be heard being trying to assure Cleo that she was now safe with them.<o:p></o:p>

She was allegedly abducted by a 36-year-old man who will now be charged in connection with her disappearance. The suspect was admitted in a hospital as he tried to harm himself in police custody but is now back at the station and is being investigated by the police department. He is expected to be produced before a magistrate later today.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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The moment Cleo was rescued 👏 <a href="https://t.co/arusYi9kCa">pic.twitter.com/arusYi9kCa</a>
— WA Police Force (@WA_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/WA_Police/status/1455784205548359682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"What a great day. We now have returned Cleo to her loving parents. It is a wonderful day for this little girl and her family," WA Commissioner Chris Dawson said in a separate televised press conference.<o:p></o:p>

<o:p></o:p>

Detective Blaine told the media that he was glad to see that Cleo behave like a normal four-year-old child would. Describing her as bubbly and laughing, he recounted that "she was eating an icy pole, she told me it was very sticky to eat, she was just delightful".<o:p></o:p>

Experts will slowly start asking questions from Cleo to get to know the whole story and motive behind this abduction. However, officers have cautioned experts to be very careful while talking to Cleo, to ensure she is not mentally harmed during this process.<o:p></o:p>

After successfully saving a four-year-old girl who was abducted on October 16, the Australian Police has now released audio of the moment they had found the little girl.

After successfully saving a four-year-old girl who was abducted on October 16, the Australian Police has now released audio of the moment they had found the little girl. Four-year-old Cleo Smith had disappeared from her family’s tent at a campsite on October 16. When the parents reported her to be missing, the police department and locals launched a massive search party. During one of the search drives, Cleo was found in locked house in Carnarvon, which is just six minutes' drive away from her family’s home. The officers reported that the little was girl was playing with toys in a lighted house but was very alert and aware. "My name is Cleo." pic.twitter.com/xiy59x4kjP — WA Police Force (@WA_Police) November 4, 2021 × "My name is Cleo," the little girl can be heard saying in the audio released by the Australian Police from the time they had discovered Cleo. Detective Sergeant Cameron Blaine was the officer who had rescued little Cleo. He said he asked her name to be very sure that it was Cleo. The police officers could be heard being trying to assure Cleo that she was now safe with them. She was allegedly abducted by a 36-year-old man who will now be charged in connection with her disappearance. The suspect was admitted in a hospital as he tried to harm himself in police custody but is now back at the station and is being investigated by the police department. He is expected to be produced before a magistrate later today. The moment Cleo was rescued 👏 pic.twitter.com/arusYi9kCa — WA Police Force (@WA_Police) November 3, 2021 × "What a great day. We now have returned Cleo to her loving parents. It is a wonderful day for this little girl and her family," WA Commissioner Chris Dawson said in a separate televised press conference. Detective Blaine told the media that he was glad to see that Cleo behave like a normal four-year-old child would. Describing her as bubbly and laughing, he recounted that "she was eating an icy pole, she told me it was very sticky to eat, she was just delightful". Experts will slowly start asking questions from Cleo to get to know the whole story and motive behind this abduction. However, officers have cautioned experts to be very careful while talking to Cleo, to ensure she is not mentally harmed during this process.

'My name is Cleo': Australian Police releases audio of when 4-year-old girl was rescued

The 36-year-old man who had been in custody of the Australian Police over the disappearance of a four-year-old girl has been charged with abduction.<o:p></o:p>

Cleo Smith was abducted on October 16 from her family’s tent at a campsite and a search mission had ben launched after her parents reported her missing. She was finally found after 18 days, and was handed over safely to her parents.<o:p></o:p>

She was rescued by Detective Sergeant Cameron Blaine who found her in a locked house in Carnarvon — six minutes' drive away from the Smooth family’s home. The house was completely lighted and Cleo was sitting inside, playing with toys. However, she was still very alert and aware.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/my-name-is-cleo-australian-police-releases-audio-of-when-4-year-old-girl-was-rescued-426587">'My name is Cleo': Australian Police releases audio of when 4-year-old girl was rescued</a></o:p>

The 36-year-old man has now been charged with abduction. He had recently returned to the police station after being admitted to the hospital because he tried to harm himself in the police custody earlier. He was being questioned by the officers.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the suspect has been charged a few hours after the Australian Police released the audio of the moment Cleo was rescued by the officers.

<o:p></o:p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
"My name is Cleo." <a href="https://t.co/xiy59x4kjP">pic.twitter.com/xiy59x4kjP</a>
— WA Police Force (@WA_Police) <a href="https://twitter.com/WA_Police/status/1456102974502047744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"My name is Cleo,"&nbsp;the little girl can be heard saying in the audio released by the Australian Police from the time they had discovered Cleo.<o:p></o:p>

"What a great day. We now have returned Cleo to her loving parents. It is a wonderful day for this little girl and her family," WA Commissioner Chris Dawson said in a separate televised press conference.<o:p></o:p>

Experts will slowly start asking questions from Cleo to get to know the whole story and motive behind this abduction. However, officers have cautioned experts to be very careful while talking to Cleo, to ensure she is not mentally harmed during this process.<o:p></o:p>

The 36-year-old man who had been in custody of the Australian Police over the disappearance of a four-year-old girl has been charged with abduction. Cleo Smith was abducted on October 16 from her family’s tent at a campsite and a search mission had ben launched after her parents reported her missing.

The 36-year-old man who had been in custody of the Australian Police over the disappearance of a four-year-old girl has been charged with abduction. Cleo Smith was abducted on October 16 from her family’s tent at a campsite and a search mission had ben launched after her parents reported her missing. She was finally found after 18 days, and was handed over safely to her parents. She was rescued by Detective Sergeant Cameron Blaine who found her in a locked house in Carnarvon — six minutes' drive away from the Smooth family’s home. The house was completely lighted and Cleo was sitting inside, playing with toys. However, she was still very alert and aware. Also read | 'My name is Cleo': Australian Police releases audio of when 4-year-old girl was rescued The 36-year-old man has now been charged with abduction. He had recently returned to the police station after being admitted to the hospital because he tried to harm himself in the police custody earlier. He was being questioned by the officers. Meanwhile, the suspect has been charged a few hours after the Australian Police released the audio of the moment Cleo was rescued by the officers. "My name is Cleo." pic.twitter.com/xiy59x4kjP — WA Police Force (@WA_Police) November 4, 2021 × "My name is Cleo," the little girl can be heard saying in the audio released by the Australian Police from the time they had discovered Cleo. "What a great day. We now have returned Cleo to her loving parents. It is a wonderful day for this little girl and her family," WA Commissioner Chris Dawson said in a separate televised press conference. Experts will slowly start asking questions from Cleo to get to know the whole story and motive behind this abduction. However, officers have cautioned experts to be very careful while talking to Cleo, to ensure she is not mentally harmed during this process.

Australia: 36-year-old man charged for abduction of Cleo Smith

Gunmen abducted four staff members and their children from University of Abuja on Tuesday. Attack on a large institution in Nigerian capital is a rare occurence in the country.

The spate of kidnappings started last year as gangs of armed men, locally known as bandits carried out series of abductions from schools. They also attacked villages. Most of the incidents took place in the northwest of the country. The kidnappings were carried out for ransom.

There have been kidnappings of individuals on the outskirts of Abuja, but attacks on universities are rare.

"Suspected bandits attacked the staff quarters of the university in the early hours of today. We have report that four of our staff and their children were, nevertheless, abducted," the university said on its Facebook page.

A source at the university told Reuters that one staff member was taken together with his son and daughter.

Nigeria's security forces are stretched on several fronts, including growing lawlessness in the north and northwest and a 12-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast that has killed thousands.

(With inputs from agencies)

Gunmen abducted four staff members and their children from University of Abuja on Tuesday. Attack on a large institution in Nigerian capital is a rare occurence in the country.

Gunmen abducted four staff members and their children from University of Abuja on Tuesday. Attack on a large institution in Nigerian capital is a rare occurence in the country. The spate of kidnappings started last year as gangs of armed men, locally known as bandits carried out series of abductions from schools. They also attacked villages. Most of the incidents took place in the northwest of the country. The kidnappings were carried out for ransom. There have been kidnappings of individuals on the outskirts of Abuja, but attacks on universities are rare. "Suspected bandits attacked the staff quarters of the university in the early hours of today. We have report that four of our staff and their children were, nevertheless, abducted," the university said on its Facebook page. A source at the university told Reuters that one staff member was taken together with his son and daughter. Nigeria's security forces are stretched on several fronts, including growing lawlessness in the north and northwest and a 12-year Islamist insurgency in the northeast that has killed thousands. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: Gunmen abduct staff, children in rare attack on a university

Six people have been kidnapped by gunmen during an attack on the University of Abuja on Tuesday. There have been a series of gunmen attacks in Nigeria in recent months, leading to deaths and kidnappings.

Gunmen kidnap 6 people from University of Abuja in Nigeria

Three Chinese men kidnapped in Mali escaped their captors at the weekend and were rescued by security forces on Monday, the Sahel state's army said.

The trio was abducted on July 17 when armed men attacked a construction site in the southwest of the conflict-ridden country.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-eases-power-crunch-with-boost-to-coal-production-426056">China eases power crunch with boost to coal production</a>

Two Mauritanian nationals also captured in the incident were freed 10 days later.

But the Chinese captives managed to stage a successful escape on Sunday, according to a Malian army statement.

Ground and air forces then located the men the following day, in a joint operation whose success was aided by "anonymous people of good will".

Beijing on Tuesday said the three men were in good physical condition and that the country's embassy in Mali was doing a "good job of comforting and caring for the rescued personnel."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/may-god-bless-mali-colombian-nun-captured-by-jihadists-released-after-4-years-419536">'May God bless Mali': Colombian nun captured by jihadists released after 4 years</a>

Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China would continue "further strengthening risk advisories and consular protections for Chinese citizens and enterprises in Mali."

Abductions have been frequent in Mali's brutal jihadist conflict, which has seen thousands killed, displaced hundreds of thousands and devastated the economy of one of the world's poorest countries since it broke out in 2012.

The operation comes only weeks after Colombian nun, Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez -- kidnapped by jihadists in 2017 -- was freed in Mali on October 9.

Watch |&nbsp;Colombian nun kidnapped in 2017 freed

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French journalist Olivier Dubois, who was abducted in northern Mali in April, said in a hostage video that the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) -- the largest jihadist alliance in the Sahel -- had kidnapped him.

Three Chinese men kidnapped in Mali escaped their captors at the weekend and were rescued by security forces on Monday, the Sahel state's army said. The trio was abducted on July 17 when armed men attacked a construction site in the southwest of the conflict-ridden country.

Three Chinese men kidnapped in Mali escaped their captors at the weekend and were rescued by security forces on Monday, the Sahel state's army said. The trio was abducted on July 17 when armed men attacked a construction site in the southwest of the conflict-ridden country. Also Read | China eases power crunch with boost to coal production Two Mauritanian nationals also captured in the incident were freed 10 days later. But the Chinese captives managed to stage a successful escape on Sunday, according to a Malian army statement. Ground and air forces then located the men the following day, in a joint operation whose success was aided by "anonymous people of good will". Beijing on Tuesday said the three men were in good physical condition and that the country's embassy in Mali was doing a "good job of comforting and caring for the rescued personnel." Also read | 'May God bless Mali': Colombian nun captured by jihadists released after 4 years Foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China would continue "further strengthening risk advisories and consular protections for Chinese citizens and enterprises in Mali." Abductions have been frequent in Mali's brutal jihadist conflict, which has seen thousands killed, displaced hundreds of thousands and devastated the economy of one of the world's poorest countries since it broke out in 2012. The operation comes only weeks after Colombian nun, Sister Gloria Cecilia Narvaez -- kidnapped by jihadists in 2017 -- was freed in Mali on October 9. Watch | Colombian nun kidnapped in 2017 freed French journalist Olivier Dubois, who was abducted in northern Mali in April, said in a hostage video that the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM) -- the largest jihadist alliance in the Sahel -- had kidnapped him.

Three Chinese hostages in Mali rescued after escape

At least 3,000 Pakistani children are kidnapped every year. Many of them end up in Gulf nations as child brides. Mariam Wardak tells you how the lack of political will is exacerbating Pakistan's kidnapping crisis.

South Asia Diary: Surge in kidnapping of girls in Pakistan

In northwest Nigeria, 15 high school students were released by bandits after their parents were forced to pay an undisclosed ransom to free them. The 15 students are among the 100 students who were kidnapped on July 5 from the Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna.

Nigeria: Gunmen free 15 abducted high school students after parents pay ransom

Gunmen who had kidnapped 121 students in northwestern Nigeria have released another 28 teenagers, said AFP citing a school officials. The students were kidnapped in the country's northwestern region

"Twenty-eight have been released and we have reunited them with their parents," Joseph Hayab, one of the senior officials at the Bethel Baptist High School, told AFP. "In all, we have 34 children who have been freed and 87 are still held as hostages by the bandits."

Northwestern Nigeria has long been plagued by heavily armed gangs, known locally as bandits. These bandits have been looting, stealing cattle and abducting for ransom. Lately, they have targetted schools and colleges.

Heavily-armed gangs, known locally as bandits, have long plagued northwest and central Nigeria by looting, stealing cattle and abducting for ransom, but they have lately targeted schools and colleges.

Around 1,000 students and pupils have been abducted across Nigeria since December. Most have been released after negotiations with local officials, although some are still being held. 
President Muhammadu Buhari, who is under fire for growing insecurity in the country, has ordered the security forces to ensure safe and early release of all kidnap victims.

(Wth inputs from agencies)

Gunmen who had kidnapped 121 students in northwestern Nigeria have released another 28 teenagers, said AFP citing a school officials. The students were kidnapped in the country's northwestern region "Twenty-eight have been released and we have reunited them with their parents," Joseph Hayab, one of the senior officials at the Bethel Baptist High School, told AFP.

Gunmen who had kidnapped 121 students in northwestern Nigeria have released another 28 teenagers, said AFP citing a school officials. The students were kidnapped in the country's northwestern region "Twenty-eight have been released and we have reunited them with their parents," Joseph Hayab, one of the senior officials at the Bethel Baptist High School, told AFP. "In all, we have 34 children who have been freed and 87 are still held as hostages by the bandits." Northwestern Nigeria has long been plagued by heavily armed gangs, known locally as bandits. These bandits have been looting, stealing cattle and abducting for ransom. Lately, they have targetted schools and colleges. Heavily-armed gangs, known locally as bandits, have long plagued northwest and central Nigeria by looting, stealing cattle and abducting for ransom, but they have lately targeted schools and colleges. Around 1,000 students and pupils have been abducted across Nigeria since December. Most have been released after negotiations with local officials, although some are still being held. President Muhammadu Buhari, who is under fire for growing insecurity in the country, has ordered the security forces to ensure safe and early release of all kidnap victims. (Wth inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: Gunmen release 28 kidnapped students

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