Nigeria frees 44 abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo raid
What's new: Eight suspects were arrested, and authorities said one kidnapped teacher was killed during the two-month ordeal.
Nigerian security forces freed 44 pupils and teachers abducted in Oyo state nearly two months ago, ending a case that alarmed a region where school kidnappings are less common. The victims were taken on May 15 when gunmen attacked three schools in the Oriire area of southwestern Nigeria. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga said eight kidnappers were arrested. Local officials had previously said one abducted teacher died in captivity, while the military said some soldiers were killed during the rescue operation. The freed captives are receiving medical care before returning home, according to the army. The raid involved the military, police, intelligence agencies and local vigilante groups.