A mother and her three daughters abducted from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have regained their freedom after spending about 180 days in captivity.
The woman, who was pregnant at the time of her abduction, was kidnapped alongside her four-year-old daughter, Christy, and her two other daughters, aged six and 12.
Security analyst and former governorship aide Reuben Buhari, who confirmed the development in a Facebook post on Monday, August 3, 2026, said the family regained their freedom on Saturday, August 1.
According to Buhari, the woman gave birth while in captivity, but the newborn died about three weeks later.
He also disclosed that Christy, the youngest of the three girls, was seriously ill during the family’s escape, reportedly suffering from swollen eyes and legs and being unable to walk.
Buhari said the mother initially carried the child on her back until she became too exhausted, after which the 12-year-old daughter took over.
Despite their weakened condition and having no footwear, the family continued walking until nightfall, when they were forced to sleep in the bush.
They resumed their journey the following morning, but Christy reportedly died while they were still trying to reach safety.
According to Buhari, the grieving family continued their journey, taking turns carrying the child’s body despite their exhaustion.
He said that at one point, the mother became too weak to continue, leaving the 12-year-old to carry her younger sister’s body until they eventually reached a village in Kachia Local Government Area on Sunday afternoon.
Residents of the community reportedly came to their aid after finding the exhausted family. They were later moved to another village, where they are receiving medical attention before being transferred to Kaduna for further treatment.
The woman and her daughters were among several residents abducted from Ariko village and nearby communities earlier this year.
Buhari said 33 victims from Ariko, including 11 people abducted from Awon village, are still being held by their captors.
He expressed concern about their condition, saying many are reportedly severely weakened after spending months in captivity, and appealed for continued prayers and support for those who remain in the kidnappers’ custody and for their families.
