By Paul Joseph
Six schoolchildren, their driver and two other passengers abducted by suspected bandits along the Akwando–Kachia Road in Kaduna State have regained their freedom after spending 36 days in captivity.
The victims were kidnapped on April 26 when armed assailants attacked a vehicle transporting schoolchildren from Akwando village to Kachia, the headquarters of Kachia Local Government Area. Nine people were taken away during the attack, while a young girl was reportedly killed by the gunmen.
The release of the victims was confirmed by the spokesman of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), Manasseh Samuel, who disclosed that they returned home on Sunday morning after trekking through the bush for about six hours.
Samuel expressed appreciation to individuals, community members and groups who supported efforts aimed at securing the victims’ freedom, particularly through prayers and advocacy.
A former media aide to the late Kaduna State Governor, Reuben Buhari, also confirmed the development, revealing that the victims regained their freedom on Sunday before arriving 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 said.
He noted that the children endured a difficult and traumatic experience during their captivity, losing nearly an entire academic term while away from school.
Despite the ordeal, Buhari expressed gratitude that all nine victims returned safely to their families and communities.
He, however, urged continued prayers and support for other residents still being held by kidnappers across the area.
According to him, victims abducted from Awon village have now spent 42 days in captivity, while those taken from Ariko village have remained in the hands of their captors for 57 days.
The latest release offers a measure of relief to affected families and residents, although concerns remain over the persistent threat of kidnapping and insecurity in several communities across Kaduna State.
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