Historical Events tagged with "abduction"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Crime & Law

Jayme Closs Kidnapped After Parents Murdered

October 15th, 2018 6 years ago

Jayme Closs, a 13-year-old from Barron, Wisconsin, was abducted from her home after her parents, Denise and James Closs, were tragically murdered. The incident garnered significant media attention, drawing a nationwide search effort for Jayme. Law enforcement agencies worked tirelessly to piece together evidence from the crime scene, while the local community rallied to support the family and spread awareness of Jayme's disappearance. As days turned into weeks, the search emphasized the importance of community involvement in such cases, leading to a heightened awareness around child safety.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Chibok Schoolgirls Abduction by Boko Haram

April 14th, 2014 10 years ago

In a coordinated attack, Boko Haram militants abducted 276 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Nigeria. The girls were preparing for their final exams when the armed group stormed the school, leading to a widespread outcry for their safe return. The mass kidnapping garnered international attention, sparking campaigns such as #BringBackOurGirls. The abduction raised concerns about the ongoing violence and instability in northeastern Nigeria due to Boko Haram's insurgency, which has targeted schools and educational institutions.

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Politics & Government

Íngrid Betancourt Freed from FARC Captivity

July 2nd, 2008 16 years ago

Íngrid Betancourt, a member of Colombia's Chamber of Representatives, was rescued from captivity after six and a half years of being held by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Her rescue was part of a daring military operation known as Operation Jaque, which took place in the Colombian jungle. Betancourt, who was abducted in 2002 while campaigning for presidency, gained international attention and support during her ordeal, highlighting the human rights abuses in Colombia, specifically regarding kidnapping by FARC. The operation marked a significant moment in Colombia's fight against FARC insurgents.

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Religion & Philosophy

Trappist Monks Abducted and Killed

May 21st, 1996 28 years ago

Seven Trappist monks were abducted from their monastery in Tibhirine, Algeria, on March 27, resulting in their deaths under unclear circumstances. Their fate sparked international attention and concern for the safety of religious communities in conflict areas. The monks were part of a community known for their dedication to prayer and service, and their disappearance raised questions about the security and ethical implications of religious presence in politically unstable regions.

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Crime & Law

James Bulger Abducted by Two Boys

February 12th, 1993 32 years ago

James Bulger, a two-year-old boy, was abducted from the New Strand Shopping Centre in Bootle, England, by two ten-year-old boys, Robert Thompson and Jon Venables. After luring James away from his mother, the boys took him on a harrowing journey through the streets of Liverpool, where they ultimately tortured and murdered him. The case shocked the nation and raised alarms about child safety and delinquency.

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Crime & Law

Jaycee Lee Dugard Abducted at Age Eleven

June 10th, 1991 33 years ago

Eleven-year-old Jaycee Lee Dugard was kidnapped near her home in South Lake Tahoe, California by Phillip Craig Garrido. This event marked the beginning of a long captivity that would last for 18 years, until she was found in 2009. Jaycee was taken while walking to a school bus stop, and her absence sparked extensive searches and media coverage. Garrido would later be arrested in connection with her abduction.

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Politics & Government

Terry Anderson Kidnapped in Beirut

March 16th, 1985 39 years ago

Terry Anderson, a journalist for the Associated Press, was abducted in Beirut while covering the Lebanese civil war. His kidnapping occurred amidst a climate of instability and violence in Lebanon, as various factions vied for control. Anderson became one of the longest-held Western hostages in Lebanon, spending more than six years in captivity before his release in December 1991. This incident underscored the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones.

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Crime & Law

Shergar Kidnapping: A Notorious Horse Heist

February 8th, 1983 42 years ago

Irish race horse Shergar was stolen by armed men from the Ballymany Stud in Ireland in an audacious ransom attempt. Allegations arose that members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) were involved in the heist, demanding a ransom for the prized thoroughbred. Despite extensive efforts to locate Shergar, including media appeals and searches, the horse was never found, leading to widespread speculation about his fate. This incident captured public attention and highlighted the intersection of sport and crime during a tumultuous period in Irish history.

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Politics & Government

Murder of Four American Missionaries

December 2nd, 1980 44 years ago

Four American churchwomen, including Jean Donovan, were raped and murdered by a Salvadoran death squad. This incident prompted outrage and calls for justice both domestically and internationally. The victims were working in El Salvador to provide humanitarian aid during the civil conflict. Their deaths drew attention to human rights violations in the country during a time of considerable turmoil and violence.

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