Release of Kidnapped Students and Teachers in Nigeria

The government of Ekiti State, Nigeria, announced today (Sunday) the release of six students and three teachers who were kidnapped by armed men while returning from a school trip last week. The government stated that "according to reports, the bus driver was killed by the kidnappers, and the students were taken to a local hospital for physical and psychological treatment." The state government did not provide any details about the release of the hostages nor clarified whether a ransom was paid. It is noted that armed gangs have resorted to abducting villagers, travelers on the roads, and students for ransom, a phenomenon that has spread from northwest Nigeria throughout the country.