Six schoolchildren, their driver, and two other passengers who were abducted by suspected bandits along the Akwando–Kachia Road in Kaduna State have been released after spending 36 days in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped on April 26, 2026, when armed attackers intercepted a vehicle transporting pupils from Akwando village to Kachia, the headquarters of Kachia Local Government Area. During the attack, nine passengers were taken away, while a young girl was reportedly killed.
Confirming the development, the spokesman of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), Manasseh Samuel, said the victims regained their freedom on Sunday and returned home after trekking through the bush for about six hours.
Samuel expressed appreciation to everyone who contributed to the efforts that led to their release, including those who offered prayers and support throughout the ordeal.
The release was also confirmed by Reuben Buhari, a former media aide to the late Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa. In a Facebook post, Buhari stated that the victims arrived home on Monday morning after being freed the previous day.
He noted that the children endured a difficult and traumatic experience during their captivity, which caused them to miss nearly an entire academic term. Despite the hardship, he expressed gratitude for their safe return.
Buhari further appealed for continued prayers for other residents still being held by kidnappers, particularly those abducted from Awon and Ariko communities. According to him, the Awon victims have spent 42 days in captivity, while those from Ariko have remained in the hands of their captors for 57 days.
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