The Catholic Church begged the armed group responsible for the kidnapping of a northeastern Colombia mayor’s 10-year-old daughter to release her, and offers to help with the process, W Radio reported Thursday.
“Leave children out of the conflict, respecting their integrity and innocence,” said the country’s Episcopal Conference’s general secretary, Monseñor Juan Vincent Cordoba.
According to Monseñor Cordoba, the girl, along with all other hostages, are “all very present in our prayers and we will not rest until they are released.”
The official stated that the Church is “ready to act” to secure Nhora Carolina Muñoz’s freedom.
Nohora was abducted from the town of Fortul, where he father serves as mayor, on September 29. The minor was on her way to school with her mother when the pair was forced into a vehicle by a group of armed vehicles. The mother was released shortly, unharmed.
Colombia’s Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon has offered a reward of over $50,000 for any information leading to Nhora’s captors.
The International Committee of the Red Cross is expected to assist with any mediation to release Nhora.
