89 kidnapped Nigerian Christians released: authorities

The last 89 Christians held captive since criminal gangs attacked three churches in northern Nigeria in mid-January were released on Thursday, according to local officials. The attacks have piled international scrutiny on insecurity in the country.

But a local chief told the media at the weekend that 80 had returned home, having fled during the attack to hide in other villages. The circumstances of their release were not revealed. Paying ransom is illegal in Nigeria, but the government is suspected of resorting to it regularly.