Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Cameroon's Minister of Communication has confirmed the March 21st kidnapping in the east of the country by rebels from the Central Africa Republic.

The government spokesman who is now avoiding press conferences ever since the Biya photomontage scandal issued a statement stating that the hostage-taking took place on March 19, 2015 around 11:30 p.m. at the Babio locality.

The Issa Tchiroma statement noted that among those abducted were Mama Abakaï, Mayor of Lagdo, Nene Jacqueline, Section President WCPDM Lagdo South 2, Madam Dama, nurse and president of a Women's NGO, Djimoun Sylvie, Councillor, Tchambia Odile, economic operator, Oumarou Sadou, traditional leader of Lagdo, Souaibou Halidou, council worker and traditional leader; Alidou Abu traditional leader, Mr. Danda, traditional chief; Alhaji Oumarou Liman, farmer, Alhaji Souïbou, trader, Ibrahim Abubakar, businessman, Abdoulaye Hamadou alternate driver, Inoussa Balkabar, member of the local Vigilance Committee, Robert Ndinda member of the local Vigilance Committee.