US response to African hostage ordeal criticized by freed captive.

American missionary Jeff Woodke, who was held captive for over six years in Niger, has spoken out about his ordeal and his frustrations with the US government's response. Woodke claims that FBI officials withheld information about negotiations with his captors and provided inadequate help and guidance about raising money for a ransom. His wife also vented to Secretary of State Antony Blinken about a ransom process she asserted favored the rich. The Woodkes' statements represent a rare public airing of the delicate and tense interactions that often precede a detainee's release.