Abducted Kaduna mother and her children regain freedom after 180 days in captivity

A mother and her three children who were 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 when she was kidnapped alongside her four-year-old daughter, Christy, and two other daughters aged six and 12, were freed on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

Security analyst and former governorship aide Reuben Buhari, who confirmed the development in a Facebook post on Monday, August 3, 2026, said the woman had given birth while in captivity but the newborn d!ed about three weeks later.

Buhari disclosed that 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.

“Her mother carried her on her back, but when she became tired, the 12-year-old sister took over the burden,” he said.

Buhari added that the mother and her daughters, despite being weak and barefoot, 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 d!ed while they were still walking.

“Despite her d3ath, 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.

“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,”

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