Kidnapped Kaduna woman, three daughters regain freedom after 180 days in captivity

A woman and her three daughters abducted by suspected bandits from Ariyo Community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State have regained their freedom after spending 180 days in captivity.

The victims were kidnapped alongside several other residents during an attack on the community over the Easter period, which reportedly claimed multiple lives.

Reports indicated that the kidnappers demanded a ransom of N1 billion before releasing the victims.

Confirming their release in a post on his verified Facebook page, former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the late Kaduna State Governor, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, Reuben Buhari, narrated the family’s ordeal in captivity.

According to Buhari, the woman was pregnant when she was abducted alongside her daughters, aged four, six and 12.

He disclosed that she gave birth while in captivity under difficult conditions, but the newborn died three weeks later.

Buhari also revealed that the woman’s four-year-old daughter, Christy, fell seriously ill while in the kidnappers’ camp.

He said the child developed swollen legs and eyes and could no longer walk, forcing her mother and elder sister to carry her as they trekked barefoot after their release.

According to him, the family spent the night in the bush during the journey to safety. However, Christy died the following morning while they were still on the road.

Despite the tragedy, Buhari said the grieving mother and her daughters continued carrying the child’s body until they reached a village in Kachia Local Government Area, where residents came to their aid.

He added that the survivors were later moved to another community, where they are currently receiving medical treatment before being reunited with their family in Kaduna.

Buhari noted that several other abductees from Ariyo and neighbouring Awon village remain in captivity. He appealed to Nigerians to remember them in their prayers, saying many of the victims are in poor health after months in the kidnappers’ custody.