Ivory Coast Attack: Families search for missing relatives

The attack at a popular resort in Grand Bassam that left 18 dead on a beach resort, has left many in awe after the Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility.

Family members trooped to the scene of attack in search of missing relatives.

One mother spent her entire morning trying to figure out the whereabouts of her son.

“My son had been disabled. He just recently started walking a little bit. So he comes here to try and work on Saturdays and Sundays. Now, since yesterday, no one has seen him. He has not called, we do not know where to find him. I came to search for him and ask his friends if anyone has seen him,” the distraught mother said.

The insurgency group which is slowly carving its way into West Africa launched a gun attack at people at the beach killing 15 civilians and three soldiers.

This is the first attack in the country and has left a massive impact on the beach resort town.

“I am deeply saddened by all of this and there are truly no words to describe what happened, but I hope that people continue to visit the Ivory Coast because it’s a beautiful country, especially by the seaside,’‘ said a French tourist.