Five herders freed after al-Shabaab abduction near Kenya-Somalia border

Five herders from Alungu in Mandera County were released on Monday evening after being abducted by suspected al-Shabaab militants near the Kenya-Somalia border. The men were seized early Monday morning at Wantey Dam in Lafey Sub-County. While six herders were present during the incident, one managed to escape while the other five were taken captive.

The release was secured through the intervention of local peace elders from both sides of the border, including elders from Damasa in Somalia. The captors had reportedly demanded a ransom of three goats or Sh6,000 per person, with an alternative option of one camel per hostage. It remains unclear if these demands were fulfilled.

Police reported that the freed men are in good health and have returned to their families. Authorities are continuing investigations into the abduction. The incident highlights ongoing security vulnerabilities in the border region, where al-Shabaab militants frequently target locals and foreigners for ransom.