Mr. Jeff Woodke worked in the humanitarian sector in Niger for several years before his kidnapping in Abalak on October 14, 2016. He was held hostage until his release on March 20, 2023.
Jeff Woodke by his behavior and his way of life has always considered Niger as his second homeland and Abalak where he is confused with everyone as his second native village.
The humanitarian Jeff Woodke has worked to bring happiness to poor families in the department of Abalak; in the areas of education, health, livestock, hydraulics, environmental protection and the resilience of populations to climate change;
It is for all these reasons that the populations of Abalak gathered around the administrative, customary, religious authorities and other opinion leaders wanted to remember each year this painful event, for them and for Jeff’s family, that constitutes the kidnapping of an innocent man who came to contribute to the socio-economic development of the department of Abalak.
Today that Jeff Woodke has regained his freedom, it is a duty for us to express all our gratitude and all our gratitude to the Nigerian authorities. The population of the department of Abalak presents its thanks and congratulations to the President of the Republic, Head of State, His Excellency Mohamed Bazoum, for having masterfully led the whole process that led to the release of our brother and friend Jeff Woodke.
Our thanks also go to all those who worked directly or indirectly for the advent of this day.
Consequently the population of the department of Abalak:
Shares the immense joy of his release with his family and friends
Pay tribute once again to all those who lost their lives during this tragic event and reiterate our condolences and our compassion to their respective families as well as to all the elements of the Defense and Security Forces who have fallen in defense of our country. .
Done in Abalak, March 22, 2023
La population