A mother and her three children, abducted from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have regained their freedom after spending 180 days in captivity. The woman, who was pregnant at the time of her abduction, gave birth while in captivity, but the newborn died about three weeks later, according to security analyst and former governorship aide Reuben Buhari.
Ordeal Ends After Six Months
The family was freed on Saturday, August 1, 2026, after enduring nearly six months in the hands of their abductors. Buhari confirmed the development in a Facebook post on Monday, August 3, 2026, detailing the harrowing circumstances of their release.
The woman was kidnapped alongside her four-year-old daughter, Christy, and two other daughters aged six and 12. During their captivity, she gave birth, but the infant succumbed to an illness about three weeks later, Buhari revealed.
Desperate Walk to Freedom
Upon their release, the family faced a grueling journey on foot. Christy, the four-year-old, was reportedly seriously ill at the time of their escape, with swollen eyes and legs and an inability to walk. Buhari described how the family took turns carrying her: "Her mother carried her on her back, but when she became tired, the 12-year-old sister took over the burden."
Despite their weakened state and barefoot condition, the mother and her daughters continued walking until darkness fell, forcing them to spend the night in the bush. They resumed their journey the following morning, but tragedy struck when Christy died while they were still walking.
Carrying the Body
"Despite her death, the grieving family continued their journey, carrying the child's body on their backs and taking turns whenever one of them became too weak to continue," Buhari wrote. At one point, the mother reportedly became extremely weak, leaving the 12-year-old to carry the body of her four-year-old sister until they eventually reached a village in Kachia LGA on Sunday afternoon.
Residents reportedly found the exhausted family and came to their aid before they were moved to another village, where they are currently receiving medical attention to stabilise their condition ahead of their transfer to Kaduna.
33 Victims Still in Captivity
The woman and her daughters were among the victims abducted from Ariko village and surrounding communities who have spent months in captivity. Buhari said the remaining 33 Ariko victims, including 11 people abducted from Awon village, are still being held by their abductors.
He expressed concern over the condition of those still in captivity, saying many of the remaining victims were reportedly severely weakened and emaciated. Buhari appealed for prayers for the victims who remain in captivity and their families.
