73-Year-Old Austrian Woman Eva Gretzmacher Kidnapped by Armed Men in Niger's Agadez

Jan 12, 2025, 04:15 PM

An Austrian woman, Eva Gretzmacher, aged 73, was kidnapped in the desert town of Agadez in central Niger on Saturday. The incident was confirmed by the Austrian Foreign Ministry and reported by multiple sources, including Reuters and local media. Gretzmacher, who has lived in Agadez for 28 years and worked as a development worker, was abducted from her home by armed men and forced into a 4x4 vehicle. She is known for her social engagement and has run projects in education, health, women's empowerment, and culture. The kidnapping took place amidst ongoing security challenges in Niger, which is battling an Islamist insurgency and has seen increased militant activities following a military coup in July 2023.