Nearly 300 abducted schoolchildren released by gunmen in Nigeria, governor says

Nearly 300 schoolchildren kidnapped in Nigeria earlier this month have been released, according to the governor of Kaduna state. The children were abducted by armed bandits on motorcycles who stormed a school in Kuriga village. Some students were rescued, but 287 remained with the kidnappers. A ransom of 1 billion naira ($620,000) was demanded, with a threat to kill the students if not met. The coordinated efforts of security agencies and the Nigerian Army led to the successful release of the children. Kaduna state has been plagued by recurring incidents of kidnappings for ransom.