Terrorists in Burkina Faso release Christian missionary, but retains husband
An Australian missionary has been freed by a group affiliated to the international terrorist organization Al Qaeda in Burkina Faso.
Jocelyn Elliot was released after being captured by the group over three week ago. Her husband, Dr. Ken Elliot is still held hostage.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, reportedly released Mrs. Elliot because they did not want women to be involved in the war. They also claimed they wanted their Muslim "brothers" who are held captive to be freed.
The statement by AQIM said that "the primary motive of their kidnapping was an attempt to [gain] release of [their] captives who sit behind bars and suffer the pain of imprisonment, as well as being deprived of their basic rights."
Mrs. Elliot was released in Niger, a neighboring country of Burkina Faso. She is now working with officials to secure the release of her husband, vowing the couple will return to work as doctors in the region.
In response to the freeing of Mrs. Elliot, the Elliot family issued a message of gratitude to the authorities in both Burkina Faso and Niger who facilitated in the release of their mother.
"We wish to convey our great appreciation to the authorities in Niger and Burkina Faso for their support and assistance in facilitating Mrs. Elliot's release," the statement wrote.
Mr. and Mrs. Elliot, who are now in their 80s, have been working in Burkina Faso for many years, helping Burkinabe people obtain medical assistance, whilst also sharing the Gospel. The couple lived in Djibo, near the Malian border since the 1970's. They managed to build a 120-bed hospital where Dr. Ken has been the only surgeon.
