Five herders abducted by suspected al-Shabaab militants near the Kenya-Somalia border have been released after local elders stepped in to negotiate their freedom.
According to reports, the five men, all from Alungu in Mandera County, were freed on Monday evening following sustained intervention by local peace elders and elders from Damasa in neighbouring Somalia.
Reports indicate that the men were found in good health and had since returned to their families.
Five herders reportedly abducted by Al-Shabaab released
The five were reportedly abducted early Monday morning while in the Wantey Dam area of Lafey Sub-County.
One of the six herders managed to escape, while the other five were taken captive.
Their captors allegedly demanded three goats for each of the men, or Sh6,000 per person, as a condition for their release.
They also offered an alternative demand of one camel for each hostage.
The abduction had raised concern among residents in the border area, where cross-border movement and insecurity linked to al-Shabaab militants remain a persistent threat.
However, it remains clear whether any of the demands were met.
