Bandits Release Abducted Schoolchildren, Others 

In a significant development, six schoolchildren, their driver, and two additional passengers who were abducted by suspected bandits along the Akwando–Kachia Road in Kaduna State have regained their freedom after being held captive for 36 days.

The kidnapping occurred on April 26, 2026, when armed assailants targeted a vehicle transporting schoolchildren from Akwando village to Kachia, the administrative center of Kachia Local Government Area.

During the attack, nine passengers were abducted, and tragically, a young girl lost her life.

Manasseh Samuel, the spokesman for the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), confirmed the release of the victims, who returned home on Sunday morning after walking for approximately six hours through the bush.

He also expressed gratitude to the various individuals and groups whose support, including prayers, was instrumental in facilitating their release.

A former media aide to the late Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Reuben Buhari, also confirmed the development in a Facebook post, stating that the victims regained their freedom on Sunday and arrived home the following morning after trekking through the bush for several hours.

According to Buhari, “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.”

He added that the children endured a traumatic experience and lost nearly an entire academic term during their captivity, but expressed gratitude for their safe return.

Buhari also called for continued prayers for other residents still being held by kidnappers, particularly victims abducted from Awon and Ariko villages. He noted that those from Awon have been in captivity for 42 days, while those from Ariko have spent 57 days in captivity.