In a dramatic turn of events, five laborers from Jharkhand have been released after enduring eight harrowing months in captivity by armed terrorists in Niger. The workers, hailing from the eastern Indian state known for its mining industry, were seized during a routine work assignment abroad.
The release comes as a moment of profound relief for their families back home, who had been living in uncertainty since the abduction. Local authorities in Jharkhand confirmed the news late Wednesday, with jubilant scenes unfolding in the workers’ villages as word spread.
Details of the ordeal remain sketchy, but sources indicate the men were held in a remote area of Niger, a West African nation plagued by jihadist insurgencies. Negotiations involving Indian diplomatic channels and possibly regional mediators paved the way for their freedom. No ransom details have been disclosed.
‘It’s a miracle,’ said one relative, tears streaming down her face during a community gathering. The workers are now undergoing medical checks and are expected to return to India shortly.
This incident underscores the growing risks faced by Indian migrant workers in unstable regions. Over the past year, similar cases have spotlighted the vulnerabilities of blue-collar expatriates seeking better livelihoods overseas.
As celebrations continue, officials urge caution and better safety protocols for workers venturing into high-risk zones. The safe return of these five men offers hope amid a backdrop of regional instability.