Police in Kaduna state have confirmed that 80 worshippers kidnapped by gunmen have returned home, weeks after their abduction.
The 80 people escaped on the day they were taken but hid in neighbouring villages for a fortnight “due to fear of being captured again”, state police spokesman Mansur Hassan told the BBC.
They were among 177 people seized last month from three churches in the remote village of Kurmin Wali.
Efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining 86 people still being held, according to authorities.
The attack was part of a wave of kidnappings for ransom affecting many parts of Nigeria, but no group has said it was behind the abductions.