The last 89 Christians held captive since criminal gangs attacked three churches in northern Nigeria in mid-January were released on Thursday. The worshippers, dressed in yellow, arrived in a bus escorted by security forces and were greeted by the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani.
"I am pleased to announce that they have all been declared medically fit, have all returned home, and are currently at their residences. Of the 172 people, as you know, approximately 83 returned three days ago, and 89 were rescued yesterday or early this morning," said the Governor of Kaduna State.
The abduction took place on January 18 during Sunday mass in the village of Kurmin Wali, located in the predominantly Christian district of Kajuru.
The conditions of his release have not been disclosed. Ransom payments are illegal in Nigeria, but the government is suspected of regularly resorting to them.
