Cameroon abducted children found in Yaounde, officials say

Authorities in Cameroon found several minors in a residence in the capital, Yaounde, after an anonymous tip-off, and the social affairs ministry said the children were believed to have been held captive.

The ministry said the children were found on Wednesday in a residential neighbourhood and that the circumstances of their presence in the dwelling were under investigation.

Public broadcaster CRTV reported on Thursday that 18 children had been found, the youngest aged one and a half, and said it was still unclear how they came to be there.

Sub-prefect Elvis Akondi told CRTV that an investigation was under way. He said three people had been arrested and taken to a police station, and that nine other suspects were also in police custody.

The social affairs ministry said it had taken measures to ensure the children's safety, protection and psychosocial care.