News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Jocelyn-and-Ken-Elliott-main_article_image.jpg
Facebook
World News

Burkina Faso: Christian woman released by al Qaeda, husband remains in captivity

Jocelyn and Ken Elliott, both in their 80s, were running a hospital in the West African country when they were taken by an al Qaeda linked group three weeks ago.

It's believed the couple had been held in neighbouring Niger.

A spokesman for the country's president said Mrs Elliot "was freed following mediation led by the president of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou, and presented to the press this afternoon in Dosso."

He added that efforts to release her husband, who worked as a surgeon, were being intensified.

A statement released to Al Jazeera by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) said the woman had been released because of guidance from its leaders "not to involve women in war".

The couple had been running a medical clinic in the town of Djibo for nearly four decades.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald Dr Elliot had once said: "We're meeting a need physically, but our ultimate aim is to show the love of God. The goodness and power of true medicine."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate