A Haitian gang released the remaining 12 hostages they had abducted in October, the Ohio-based religious group announced on Thursday.
“We glorify God for answered prayer—the remaining twelve hostages are FREE! Join us in praising God that all seventeen of our loved ones are now safe,” said a statement from Christian Aid Ministries. “Thank you for your fervent prayers throughout the past two months. We hope to provide more information as we are able.”
The missionaries were 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian citizen – including five children.
At first, Haitian officials said the groups leader was demanding $1 million per hostage and threatened to kill the hostages if the ransom demand wasn’t met.
The hostages were abducted by the 400 Mawozo gang October 16th. The youngest of the 17 was an eight-month-old. The missionaries were the longest-held hostages in the country.
The U.S. had worked with Haitian and Canada governments “to do everything we can to see to it that the remaining hostages are released as soon as possible.”
It’s unclear if the gang had received any of the ransom money asked for.