From Edirin Robinson in Kaduna
After being held for 36 days, six schoolchildren, their driver, and two others kidnapped by suspected bandits on the Akwando-Kachia Road in Kaduna State have been released.
This was confirmed by Mr. Manasseh Samuel, the public relations officer of the Kuturmi Unity Development Association (KUDA), who stated that the victims returned home on Sunday morning after walking for six hours through the bush.
He expressed gratitude to all groups and individuals who prayed and supported the efforts to secure the victims’ release.
It can be recalled that the victims were abducted on April 26, 2026, when suspected bandits attacked a vehicle transporting schoolchildren from Akwando village to Kachia, the headquarters of Kachia local government area. During the attack, nine passengers were abducted, and a young girl reportedly died.
Similarly, Mr. Reuben Buhari, a former media aide to the late Kaduna State governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, confirmed the release in a Facebook post.
“Thirty-six days after they were kidnapped while on their way to school in Kachia from Akwando village, six schoolchildren, the driver, and two other adults regained their freedom yesterday and arrived home this morning after trekking for six hours in the bush.
“Special gratitude to everyone for their prayers and contributions in different ways that led to their freedom,
