36 Days After, Abducted Kaduna Schoolchildren, Others Regain Freedom

Six schoolchildren, their driver and two others abducted by suspected bandits on the Akwando-Kachia Road in Kaduna State have regained their freedom after spending 36 days in captivity.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the victims were kidnapped on April 26, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked a vehicle conveying schoolchildren from Akwando village to Kachia, headquarters of Kachia local government area. Nine passengers were abducted during the attack, while a young girl reportedly died during the incident.

The public relations officer (PRO) of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), Mr Manasseh Samuel, who confirmed the development, said the victims returned home on Sunday morning after trekking for about six hours through the bush.

Samuel expressed appreciation to groups and individuals who offered prayers and support towards securing the victims’ release.

Also confirming the development, Mr Reuben Buhari, a former media aide to the late Kaduna State governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, disclosed in a Facebook post that the victims regained their freedom on Sunday and arrived at home the following morning.

“Thirty-six days after they were kidnapped while on their way to school in Kachia from Akwando village, six schoolchildren, the driver of the vehicle and two other adults regained their freedom yesterday and got home this morning after trekking for six hours in the bush,” Buhari wrote.

“Special gratitude to everyone for their prayers and contributions in different ways that led to their freedom.”

According to Buhari, the children endured a traumatic experience and lost almost an entire academic term while in captivity.

“These children are traumatised and missed almost a whole academic term, yet we are all grateful they are alive,” he said.

He, however, called for sustained prayers for other residents still being held by kidnappers, particularly those abducted from Awon and Ariko villages.

“Let us continue to pray for those kidnapped from Awon village, who have spent 42 days, and from Ariko village, 57 days today. May June be the month of freedom for all remaining captives,” he prayed.