Six schoolchildren, their driver, and two other passengers abducted by suspected bandits along the Akwando–Kachia Road in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have regained their freedom after 36 days in captivity.
In a separate development, 11 other abductees, including women and children kidnapped from Gadanaji community in the same local government area, were also released after spending over 50 days with their captors.
The schoolchildren were kidnapped on April 26, 2026, when armed men attacked a vehicle conveying them from Akwando village to Kachia. During the attack, nine passengers were abducted, while one girl was reportedly killed.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), Mr. Manasseh Samuel, the victims returned home on Sunday morning, May 31, after trekking for about six hours through the bush following their release.
Samuel expressed gratitude to individuals and groups who supported efforts that led to the victims’ freedom, noting that prayers and community solidarity played a key role.
Similarly, former media aide to the late Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Mr. Reuben Buhari, confirmed in a Facebook post that the abducted schoolchildren, the driver, and two other adults had been released.
He said the victims regained freedom after 36 days in captivity and arrived home the following morning after trekking through the forest.
“Special gratitude to everyone for their prayers and contributions in different ways that led to their freedom,” Buhari wrote.
He added that the children had suffered trauma and missed almost an entire academic term while in captivity, describing their return as a relief despite the emotional and psychological impact.
Buhari also called for continued prayers for other residents still being held by kidnappers in nearby communities, including those abducted from Awon and Ariko villages.
In a related incident, residents of Gadanaji confirmed the release of 11 abductees, including women and children, who were kidnapped during an attack on April 9, 2026.
A community member identified as Freddo confirmed their release in a social media post, noting that the victims had also spent several weeks in captivity before regaining freedom.
The attacks in both communities had earlier left residents in fear after armed men stormed the areas, shooting sporadically and forcing many to flee into surrounding bushes.