One hundred and thirty-seven schoolgirls, who were kidnapped on March 7 by a gang in northwest Nigeria and released on Sunday, will return home today after undergoing a series of tests, being offered medical care and being reunited with their families, a state government spokesman announced.

The children, from Koriga district, underwent examinations in the state capital, Kaduna, where they were able to see their parents and relatives again.

The moments were “extremely moving”, said the spokesman for the state governor, Mohammed Shehu, adding that the children would return home today.

Six of the students needed hospitalization for injuries they suffered during their captivity.

An adult who was abducted with the children has died, authorities said.

On March 7, dozens of armed men attacked a school in Koriga, kidnapped students and the adult.

The first estimates were that more than 280 children had been abducted. Authorities later revised that number down to 137 children, 76 girls and 61 boys.

Nigeria, which is facing its worst economic crisis in 30 years, is faced with a rapid increase in kidnappings for ransom.

Officially, ransom payments are prohibited under a law adopted in 2022; authorities deny any payment is made when hostages are released after negotiations with the kidnappers.