Mozambique: Child abduction fears

The church in Mozambique is becoming increasingly concerned by a rise in child abduction by Islamic extremists, with at least 120 children having been kidnapped from the Cabo Delgado province this year.

The northern region has been plagued by jihadists known as al-Shebab or ISIS-M, who have recently stepped up abductions of children in the region, with many subjected to forced work and marriage while in captivity, according to Open Doors, which supports persecuted Christians.

The organisation revealed that only six children have been released following their kidnapping, and Christian communities are particularly vulnerable, especially their youth groups. The extremists’ recruiting schemes involve convincing young people to join them under false pretences.