ARMED men have kidnapped at least 81 students from a school in Cameroon.
 |
| Officials say a search has been launched for the kidnapped children |
The unit swooped on the pupils at the Presbyterian school in Nkwen village in Cameroon, a local governor said.
The school is in an English-speaking region, and no one has immediately claimed responsibility.
A miltary source said the principal of the school had also been kidnapped.
The source said: "In total 81 people were kidnapped including the principal."
A video said to have been released by the kidnappers shows several young boy being forced to state their name to camera.
The children say they were kidnapped on Sunday night and do not know where they are being held.
One man then says: "We shall only release you after the struggle. You will be going to school here now."
The area is currently embroiled in an ugly dispute, with separatists fighting for a breakaway state.
Separatists have imposed curfews and closed down schools as part of their protest.
Since a Government crackdown on peaceful demonstrations in 2017, the movement has gathered momentum.
A Government source added: "The search for the hostages has been launched – every man has been called in."