stefano has more. >> reporter: ransom was paid to help secure the release of 17 north american missionaries that had been kidnapped more than two months ago in haiti. that is according to a press conference that the ohio-based group gave on monday. and the group said the decision came after excruciating hours. >> as you might expect, the taking of our workers, including women and children, pushed us to our knees as we sought god's direction. recognizing the lives at stake and having a desire for a non-violent resolution, we grappled for many hours over the proper course of action. many intense hours. >> reporter: and in that news conference, the group also claimed that the hostages had escaped after many days of waiting, and no action on part of the kidnappers. now, haitian authorities have not yet confirmed that series of