6 schoolchildren, 2 others regain freedom after 36 days in captivity

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Eight individuals, including six schoolchildren, their driver, and two other adults, abducted by suspected bandits on the Akwando-Kachia Road in Kaduna State, have regained their freedom after spending 36 days in captivity.
The victims returned home on Sunday morning after trekking for six hours through the bush, according to the Public Relations Officer of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), Mr. Manasseh Samuel. He confirmed the development and expressed gratitude to all groups and individuals who offered prayers and support for the victims’ release.
It can be recalled that the victims were abducted on April 26, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked a vehicle carrying schoolchildren from Akwando village to Kachia, the headquarters of Kachia Local Government Area. Nine passengers were abducted during the attack, while a young girl reportedly died during the incident.
Reuben Buhari, the former media aide to the late Kaduna State governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, also confirmed the release in a Facebook post. He said the children, the driver, and two other adults regained their freedom on Saturday and arrived home on Sunday morning after trekking six hours through the bush to safety.
Buhari disclosed that the children endured a traumatic experience and missed nearly an entire academic term while in captivity. “These children are traumatized and missed almost a whole academic term, yet we are all grateful they are alive,” he wrote, while calling for continued prayers for other residents still being held by kidnappers.
He urged ongoing prayers for those abducted from Awon village, who have spent 42 days in captivity, and from Ariko village, who have spent 57 days. “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.