Six schoolchildren, their driver, and two other individuals who were abducted by suspected bandits on the Akwando-Kachia Road in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have regained their freedom after spending 36 days in captivity.
Similarly, after more than 50 days in captivity, bandits also released 11 people, including women and children, who were kidnapped in the Gadanaji community, also located in Kachia LGA.
Reports indicate that the schoolchildren were kidnapped on April 26, 2026, when bandits attacked a vehicle transporting them from Akwando village to Kachia. Nine passengers were abducted during the attack, while a young girl died during the incident.
Mr. Manasseh Samuel, the Public Relations Officer of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), confirmed the development, stating that the victims returned home on Sunday morning, May 31, after trekking for about six hours through the bush. Samuel expressed gratitude to groups and individuals who offered prayers and support to secure the victims' release.
Mr. Reuben Buhari, a former media aide to the late Kaduna State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, also confirmed the news in a Facebook post. He wrote: '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 added, 'Special gratitude to everyone for their prayers and contributions in different ways that led to their freedom.'
According to Buhari, the children endured a traumatic experience and missed almost an entire academic term while in captivity. 'These children are traumatised and missed almost a whole academic term, yet we are all grateful they are alive,' he said.
He called for sustained prayers for other residents still held by kidnappers, particularly those abducted from Awon and Ariko villages. '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.'
The Gadanaji attack occurred in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, 2026, when over 20 armed men stormed the community, shooting sporadically and throwing residents into panic. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the sudden gunfire shattered the calm of the night, forcing residents to flee their homes in confusion as families struggled to escape the violence. A member of the Gadanaji community, Freddo, confirmed their release in a Facebook post on Saturday, May 30.
