Six schoolchildren, their driver, and two other passengers who were abd¥cted by suspected baπdits along the Akwando-Kachia Road in Kaduna State have regained their freedom after spending 36 days in captivity.
In a related development, 11 other victims, including women and children who were k!dnapped in Gadanaji community, also in Kachia Local Government Area, have been released after more than 50 days in captivity.
The schoolchildren were abducted on April 26, 2026, when armed men att@cked a vehicle transporting them from Akwando village to Kachia. Nine passengers were taken away during the att@ck, while a young girl reportedly lost her life.
Confirming the development, Manasseh Samuel, spokesperson for the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), said the victims returned home on Sunday morning after trekking for several hours through the bush following their release.
Samuel expressed gratitude to individuals, religious groups, and community members who offered prayers and support throughout the ordeal.
The release was also confirmed by Reuben Buhari, who disclosed in a Facebook post that the victims regained their freedom on Sunday and arrived safely at their homes the following morning.
The development has brought relief to families and community members who had anxiously awaited the safe return of the abductees.