In his own words, McKinleyville’s Jeffrey Woodke was held captive “a long time.” “Six years, five months, five days and 12 hours, give or take a few minutes, I was hostage,” he told a handful of reporters this afternoon in the Fireplace Room of Arcata First Baptist Church during a brief press conference, offering his […]
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Freed McKinleyville Man Reunited with Family
McKinleyville’s Jeffrey Woodke has been reunited with his family and is expected to return home soon after being held hostage in Western Africa for more than six years before he was freed March 20. According to a family from the press release, Woodke remains in San Francisco with his wife, Els, and two sons, Robert […]
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McKinleyville Man Freed After Six Years Hostage
A McKinleyville man kidnapped and held hostage for six years in Africa has been freed, according to multiple news outlets and a social media post by National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. “I’m gratified and relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over six years in captivity,” Sullivan posted to Twitter this […]
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Aid Worker Kidnapped in Niger Reportedly from McKinleyville
2nd UPDATE: In a statement sent to the Journal, North Coast Congressman Jared Huffman indicated he’s working with the State Department to facilitate kidnaped missionary Jeff Woodke’s safe return home. “My thoughts are with Jeff Woodke and his loved ones during this extremely trying time,” Huffman said of the 55-year-old McKinlyville man who was abducted […]