Kidnapped priests and nun freed in Cameroon

Two Italian priests and a Canadian nun kidnapped in northern Cameroon in early April by suspected Boko Haram gunmen have been released, Cameroon's communications minister said today.

Church authorities identified the priests at the time of their abduction as Giampaolo Marta and Gianantonio Allegri, missionaries from the diocese of Vicenza in northeast Italy, and the nun as Gilberte Bussière. "I confirm the release of the two priests and the nun abducted a few weeks ago. They are in good health.

“They are now in a plane heading to Yaoundé,” said communications minister Issa Tchiroma Bakarye.

Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi said news of the release "fills us with joy".

“We thank the Lord that this dramatic episode has reached a positive outcome,” Fr Lombardi said.

Pope Francis had followed the affair closely, he said, and had been informed immediately of the releases.

The priests had been working on improving water supplies and fighting the spread of HIV/Aids, as well as their religious duties, according to their diocese website.

Boko Haram fighters have killed thousands in their fight to carve out an Islamic state in neighbouring northern Nigeria. They have increasingly carried out attacks and kidnappi- ngs in Cameroon. – (Reuters)