Twenty kidnapping victims, including six schoolchildren, have regained their freedom after spending between 36 and 50 days in captivity in Kaduna State.
The schoolchildren, their driver and two other adults were abducted by suspected bandits on April 26 along the Akwando-Kachia Road in Kachia Local Government Area.
After spending 36 days in captivity, the victims were released and reportedly trekked for about six hours through the bush before arriving home.
Former media aide, Reuben Buhari, confirmed the development in a statement.
“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 said.
Buhari noted that the children endured a traumatic ordeal during their time in captivity and missed almost an entire academic term.
In a separate incident, 11 residents of Gadanaji community, including women and children, also regained their freedom after spending more than 50 days in captivity.
The victims were abducted during a bandit attack on the community on April 9.
Buhari expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to efforts that led to the victims’ release and called for continued prayers for others still being held by kidnappers.
The release of the victims comes amid ongoing security concerns in parts of Kaduna State, where communities continue to face attacks and abductions by armed groups.
