More than 100 civilians kidnapped by militants in Nigeria. Militants hold victims deep in the jungle for months while they wait for ransoms to be paid.
Authorities say a number of kidnappings this month have been caused by bandit gangs operating in northwestern and central Nigeria. These crimes wreak havoc on local communities, with families often forced to sell property such as land, livestock and grain to secure the release of loved ones. (over) (over), (over, over, over)