Austrian Aid Worker Kidnapped From Sahara Desert Home
An Austrian woman has become the first European citizen kidnapped in Niger since the military seized power in 2023. The incident occurred in Agadez, a city located 900km from the capital Niamey. Austrian authorities confirmed Sunday that their embassy in Algeria, which oversees Niger, has been notified about the kidnapping and is coordinating with local officials. According to a Nigerien security source speaking to Reuters, unidentified assailants driving a four-wheel vehicle abducted the woman from the Fada district of Agadez, near the Sahara Desert. Local media outlet Air-Info Agadez identified the victim as Eva Gretzmacher, a 73-year-old who has resided in Agadez for 28 years. Reports indicate armed kidnappers arrived at her home Saturday evening, forcing her security guard to open the door at gunpoint before taking her away in a vehicle. Gretzmacher is known locally for her humanitarian work. […]