The students were reportedly released in groups, five of whom were freed on Monday, and an additional five on Thursday.

“One of the earlier released students, Francis Paul, had narrated how the bandits selected five of them and asked them to mount motorbikes after which they were dropped off on a highway,” wrote the Nigerian Voice.

“Daily Trust had reported that following continuous negotiations between the bandits and parents of the students, the bandits hinted that the students would be released in batches.”

The students were abducted on the 11th of March by gunmen demanding a ransom for their release. 

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, released a statement on Sunday informing the public that anyone who tried to pay the ransom on the government’s behalf would be prosecuted.

“The position of the Kaduna State Government remains the same: the Government will not negotiate with or pay ransoms to bandits,” said Aruwan. “Any person who claims to do so in any capacity, if found, will be prosecuted accordingly.”

Source: Persecution.org