Phyllis Sortor, American Missionary Kidnapped in Nigeria, Released

Phyllis Sortor's church has confirmed that she has been returned to authorities.

ByABC News
March 6, 2015, 5:59 PM
In this undated photo provided by Mike Henry, Seattle missionary Rev. Phyllis Sortor speaks at a distribution of wheelchairs in a town in Nigeria.
In this undated photo provided by Mike Henry, Seattle missionary Rev. Phyllis Sortor speaks at a distribution of wheelchairs in a town in Nigeria.
AP Photo

— -- An American missionary who was kidnapped in Nigeria has been released by her captors, according to her church.

Free Methodist ministry said that Phyllis Sortor was returned to authorities in Nigeria.

The 71-year-old, who was abducted on Feb. 23, is now in the care of church leaders, the church said.

The statement by the Free Methodist missionary did not give any details about her 12-day-long abduction or say anything about possible suspects.

The Associated Press previously reported that her captors were demanding $300,000 for her return but there have not been any updates about whether or not that was paid.

"Phyllis was aware there were risks associated with her ministry, but also knew there are very few places in the world without risks and dangers," the church's statement read.

Initial reports stated that Sortor, a reverend, was abducted from the compound of a school in the country's Kogi state.