The remaining 12 missionaries who were kidnapped by a Haitian gang in October were released Thursday, Haitian police and the missionary group said.
“We glorify God for answered prayer — the remaining 12 hostages are FREE!” Christian Aid Ministries said in a statement provided to the Associated Press. “Join us in praising God that all 17 of our loved ones are now safe.”
The Haitian police confirmed the news to the AP, but did not provide further details.
The 17 Christian missionaries who were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang in Port-au-Prince on October 16 included 16 US citizens and one Canadian. Five of those kidnapped were children.
The leader of the notorious gang, Wilson Joseph, threatened to kill the hostages, demanding $1 million for each, although it was unclear if that included the five children as well.
The group was made up of Amish, Mennonite and other conservative Anabaptist communities, and their Haitian driver was also kidnapped.
The last 12 missionaries spent two months as hostages in Haiti.
A man carries a sign that reads in Creole “No to kidnapping, free them,” during a protest demanding the release of people who have been kidnapped, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. AP