From Mali, news reaching the desk of CEOAFRICA states that two French journalists were killed today in Mali town of Kidal.

The sad news was broken by the French Foreign Ministry with the slain journalists identified as Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont, of the French radio station RFI.

The radio station had earlier confirmed the kidnapping of the journalists earlier today by unknown armed men.

One of the local officials of the MNLA ethnic Tuareg separatist group, Ambeiry Ag Rhissa said the men interviewed him today.

"When they left, I heard a strange noise outside.

"I immediately went out to see and when I opened my door, a turbaned man pointed a gun at me and told me go back inside," he explained.

Further revelation states that four men forced the journalists into a beige truck which was then driven off into the surrounding desert.

One report said the kidnappers' vehicle was being pursued by the security forces, possibly including the French army. A French attack helicopter was seen above Kidal a few hours after the abduction occurred, but the bodies of the two journalists were found some 12km (eight miles) outside Kidal.

French government have commenced thorough investigation in collaboration with the Malian government.