The jihadist group affiliated with AQIM has formally denied any involvement in the kidnapping of Eva Gretzmacher, an Austrian septuagenarian kidnapped on Saturday in the Agadez region.
The Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM) has categorically refuted allegations regarding the kidnapping of Eva Gretzmacher, a 75-year-old Austrian national, which occurred on Saturday January 11 in the Agadez region, Niger. This position was made official on Monday via a press release from its media arm, the “Az-Zallaqa Foundation”.
« We have no connection with this act, and we reject the accusations made against us “, said the group which, despite its history of kidnapping European citizens in the region for ransom, called ” lying » information relayed by certain media.
The statement also urges the media to be more rigorous in their coverage of events in the Sahel, while criticizing the actions of local governments and their allies.
The disappearance of Eva Gretzmacher, a resident of Agadez for almost three decades and founder of the charity “Amanay”, triggered a significant mobilization of local security forces.
-The authorities in Agadez have strengthened their security measures and intensified searches in this strategic region, which is facing growing insecurity.
At this time, no group has claimed responsibility for this kidnapping.
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