Seattle missionary released by captors in Nigeria

SEATTLE — A missionary associated with the Free Methodist Church in Seattle has been released after being abducted last month in Nigeria, according to a blog post from the church.

The Rev. Phyllis Sortor, 71, was released Friday morning in Nigeria and returned safely to local authorities and church leaders, Bishop David Kendall said in a statement on the church website.

Free Methodist said a family representative secured her release.

Church officials said Sortor was abducted by armed men on Feb. 23 from the Hope Academy compound in Emiworo, Kogi State.

"We are deeply grateful to all who prayed for Phyllis' safe return and praise God the family representative was able to secure her release," Kendall said in his statement.

He provided no details about how the release was arranged.

Kogi State police said shortly after the abduction that the men who took Sortor had demanded a ransom of nearly $300,000.

Police said they were collaborating with security forces to secure her return.

Friends described Sortor as courageous, tenacious and passionate about helping the people of Nigeria and said she was aware of the dangers.

Contributing: The Associated Press