Trending 
Cameroonian authorities have rescued a group of children believed to have been held captive in a residence in Yaounde, the country’s capital.
The Ministry of Social Affairs on Friday said the children were discovered on Wednesday in a residential neighbourhood following an anonymous tip-off.
The ministry said several people, including minors, were found at the property, adding that investigations were ongoing to establish how the children came to be there and the circumstances surrounding their presence.
“Following an anonymous tip-off, several people, including minors, were found on Wednesday in a residential neighbourhood,” the ministry said in a statement.
“These children, whose circumstances regarding their presence in this dwelling are now under investigation, are believed to have been held captive,” the statement continued.
Cameroon’s public broadcaster, CRTV, reported on Thursday that 18 children had been rescued, with the youngest aged about 18 months.
The circumstances that led to the children being kept at the residence remained unclear, according to the broadcaster.
Sub-prefect Elvis Akondi told CRTV that authorities had launched an investigation into the case.
Akondi said three people had been arrested and taken to a police station, while nine other suspects were also being held by the police in connection with the incident.
The Ministry of Social Affairs said it had immediately taken steps to protect the children and provide them with the necessary safety, protection and psychosocial support.
Authorities are continuing investigations to determine how the children ended up at the residence and establish those responsible.
