Over 130 Kidnapped Nigerian Students Freed Unharmed

More than 130 students abducted by gunmen from a school in Nigeria earlier this month have been freed unharmed, just days before a ransom deadline, officials say. The kidnapping, which took place on March 7th in Kuriga, Kaduna state, was one of the worst school attacks in recent years and sparked national outrage over security concerns.

"We are relieved to announce the safe return of the abducted Kuriga schoolchildren," said Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani in a statement, without revealing details of their release.Ã' Authorities said 137Ã' studentsÃ' - 76 girls and 61 boys - were rescued in the neighbouring Zamfara State.

Local criminal gangs, known as bandits, are suspected to be behind the abductions. These groups frequently target communities, looting villages and carrying out mass kidnappings for ransom in northwestern and north-central Nigeria.

The kidnappers demanded a hefty ransom of U.S.$680,000 for the release of the children and staff, threatening to kill them if the money wasn't paid within 20 days. However, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu remained firm, refusing to pay "a dime" in ransom.Ã'