Maputo, 4 Aug (AIM) – At least two individuals have been reported missing since last Thursday along the National Road Number (N-380), in the route connecting Pemba city and the district of Palma, in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado.
It is believed that they were kidnapped by the Islamist terrorists that have been plaguing Cabo Delgado districts since 2017.
According to local sources, cited by the independent newsheet “Carta de Moçambique”, the victims were traveling by motorcycle from Mocímboa da Praia to Macomia and disappeared under unclear circumstances.
“The two friends had set out by motorcycle from the village of Pangane, located in the Mucojo Administrative Post, in Macomia district, to the town of Mocímboa da Praia, their hometown, where they had spent nearly a week visiting family”, said one the victims’ brother.
He also explained that while returning on Thursday, the victims were stopped on the stretch of road between V Congresso village and the town of Macomia by armed men wearing military uniforms.
As of now, it is unknown whether these men were insurgents, members of the Mozambican Armed Defense Forces (FADM), or part of the peasant militia, usually referred to as “local forces”.
“From that point on, we couldn’t get in touch with them anymore. Their cell phones aren’t working, so it’s difficult to explain what happened. They are two good people. If there’s any suspicion about them, it doesn’t make sense, because they lived in Pangane and were dedicated to their fishing business”, the source said.
Lately, the terrorists have been intercepting vehicles traveling along the roads, taking occupants into the bush and forcing them to pay various sums to secure their release.
Am/
