Abducted Nigerian schoolchildren freed but driver killed

Gunmen in south-west Nigeria have released six schoolchildren and three teachers who they kidnapped nearly a week ago.

Authorities in Ekiti state on Sunday said a driver who was taken with them was killed.

They did not say if a ransom was paid to secure the pupils' freedom. The kidnappers had demanded more than $100,000 (£80,000).

Video shared online showed the schoolchildren looking tired and bewildered.

They were expected to be taken to a local hospital for medical treatment and post-trauma therapy.

Kidnappings are common in the north of Nigeria but have been spreading across the country.

Last week, armed men shot dead a traditional ruler in Kwara state and kidnapped two people including the monarch's wife.