The thirty women abducted on May 20 by separatist fighters in the northwestern region of Cameroon have regained their freedom.

The development was communicated Thursday by Simon Émilie Mooh, the prefect of the Mezam department.

Their release according to Mooh began at midday on Wednesday and concluded by evening the same day.

He said most of the women had scars which indicate violence and require medical attention but stated that no ransom was paid to secure their release.

While some are happy, women’s rights activist like Sonia Achatoh of the Young African Defenders in Action is calling for punitive measures against the perpetrators.

Sonia Achatoh, is a member of the Young African Defenders in Action in Cameroon.

Recall the women were kidnapped on May 20 for having demonstrated the day before against the payment of a tax imposed on the populations by the separatist militias.