Historical Events tagged with "kidnapping"

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

Kidnapping of 279 Female Students in Zamfara

February 26th, 2021 4 years ago

Gunmen attacked a school in Zamfara State, Nigeria, abducting 279 female students aged between 10 and 17. The raid occurred during nighttime, and the bandits entered the Government Girls Secondary School in Jangebe, a town in Zamfara. The assailants took advantage of the poor security situation in the region, leading to increased concerns about the safety of schools in Nigeria, particularly for female students. This incident marked another significant event in the ongoing challenge of tackling banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria.

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Crime & Law

Jayme Closs Found Alive After Kidnapping

January 10th, 2019 6 years ago

Jayme Closs, a 13-year-old girl from Barron, Wisconsin, was discovered alive after being missing for 88 days. She had been abducted from her home following the tragic murder of her parents, Denise and James Closs, who were found dead in their residence. Her kidnapper, Jake Patterson, had been stalking her prior to the crime. Jayme managed to escape and approached a nearby resident for help, leading to her rescue and the apprehension of Patterson.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Mass Kidnapping in Iguala, Mexico

September 26th, 2014 10 years ago

Forty-three students were forcibly taken by police in Iguala, Mexico, while they were en route to a protest. The students, from Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers' College, aimed to raise awareness about educational rights and social justice. Their disappearance sparked national outrage and calls for accountability. Allegations surfaced linking local authorities to organized crime. This incident highlighted longstanding issues of corruption and violence in Mexico.

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Crime & Law

Three Kidnapped Women Found Alive in Cleveland

May 6th, 2013 11 years ago

Three women, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus, and Michelle Knight, were found alive in a house in Cleveland, Ohio, after being kidnapped and missing for over a decade. Amanda Berry escaped from the house and sought help from a neighbor, leading to the discovery of the women. Ariel Castro, the kidnapper, was arrested, and it was revealed that all three women had endured severe abuse during their captivity.

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Crime & Law

Jaycee Dugard Found After 18 Years of Captivity

August 26th, 2009 15 years ago

Jaycee Dugard was discovered alive in California after being missing for over 18 years. She was kidnapped at the age of 11 and had been held captive by Phillip and Nancy Garrido in their backyard. The discovery was made when Garrido brought Dugard to a university for a psychological evaluation, where staff became suspicious and alerted authorities. Upon investigation, they found Dugard and verified her identity, leading to the arrest of the Garridos.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

A Million Voices Against FARC Mobilization

February 4th, 2008 17 years ago

A large-scale civic mobilization took place in Colombia, uniting citizens against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). On this day, millions took to the streets wearing white to protest against kidnappings and violence attributed to FARC. This peaceful demonstration transcended political affiliations and regional differences, as citizens rallied to voice their rejection of terrorism and support for peace. Major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali hosted significant gatherings, showcasing national solidarity in the face of a decades-long conflict that had plagued Colombia.

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Crime & Law

Raúl Iturriaga Captured After Avoiding Arrest

August 3rd, 2007 17 years ago

Raúl Iturriaga, the former deputy director of the Chilean National Intelligence Directorate (DINA), was captured after being on the run for several years following his conviction for kidnapping during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. He had been sentenced to 26 years in prison for his involvement in the forced disappearance of a political activist. Iturriaga's capture marked a significant moment in Chile's ongoing efforts to bring justice to the victims of human rights abuses from the military regime.

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Crime & Law

Natascha Kampusch Escapes After Eight Years

August 23rd, 2006 18 years ago

After eight years of captivity, Natascha Kampusch successfully escaped from her abductor, Wolfgang Přiklopil, in Austria. Her escape occurred when she managed to flee while he was temporarily distracted. Kampusch's effort involved planning her breakout, leading her to flee from the house where she had been held since her abduction at the age of ten. The incident sparked widespread media attention and public discourse on child abduction and the psychological effects of captivity.

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Crime & Law

Daniel Pearl Kidnapped and Murdered in Pakistan

January 23rd, 2002 23 years ago

U.S. journalist Daniel Pearl was kidnapped in Karachi, Pakistan, while researching extremist groups. He was reported missing after meeting a man who claimed to assist him in his investigation. Following his abduction, a video of Pearl's murder surfaced, leading to global outrage and condemnation of his captors.

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