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French priest kidnapped in Cameroon released

NGUETCHEWE, Cameroon, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- A French priest in Cameroon, who was kidnapped by suspected Boko Haram members in neighboring Nigeria, was released, French officials said Tuesday.

The Rev. Georges Vandenbeusch was kidnapped Nov. 13 shortly after presiding over mass at his parish church in Nguetchewe, Cameroon, about seven miles from Nigeria, the Wall Street Journal reported.

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Boko Haram didn't claim responsibility for the kidnapping, but provincial Gov. Fonka Awa Augustine said the Islamic militants were spotted racing back across the border after the abduction.

Vandenbeusch, 42, was freed Tuesday, the French president's office said in a statement.

"Francois Hollande thanks all who worked to resolve this issue, notably the authorities in Cameroon and Nigeria," the statement said.

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