Six schoolchildren, their driver and two other adults abducted by suspected bandits along the Akwando-Kachia road in Kaduna state have regained their freedom after spending 36 days in captivity.
The victims regained their freedom on Sunday and returned home on Monday morning after trekking for about six hours through the bush, ending more than a month of uncertainty for their families and communities.
The development was confirmed by the Public Relations Officer of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), Mr. Manasseh Samuel, who expressed gratitude to individuals, groups and well-wishers who supported efforts aimed at securing the victims’ freedom.
Samuel said the return of the victims brought immense relief to the affected families and the entire community.
“We appreciate everyone who stood with us in prayers and offered support in different ways during this difficult period. Their freedom is a huge relief to the entire community,” he said.
Abducted while travelling to school
The schoolchildren, their driver and two other passengers were kidnapped on April 26, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked a vehicle conveying pupils from Akwando village to Kachia, headquarters of Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Nine passengers were abducted during the attack, while a young girl reportedly lost her life, triggering widespread concern among residents and renewed fears over insecurity in communities across Southern Kaduna.
The incident forced many parents and guardians into weeks of anxiety as efforts intensified to secure the victims’ release.
Victims trek six hours through bush
According to Samuel, the victims arrived home on Monday after enduring a six-hour trek through the bush following their release.
The development marks the end of a 36-day ordeal for the victims, many of whom had been cut off from their families since the abduction.
Also reacting to the development, community leader and former media aide to the late Kaduna State Governor, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Mr. Reuben Buhari, disclosed in a social media post that the victims regained their freedom on Sunday.
“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 stated.
