Bandits free Kaduna woman, three daughters after 180 days in captivity

Suspected bandits have released a kidnapped woman and her three daughters who were abducted from Ariyo Community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State after spending 180 days in captivity.

The victims were abducted alongside others during an attack on the community over the Easter period, during which several residents were reportedly killed.

The bandits had reportedly demanded a ransom of N1 billion before releasing the victims.

Confirming the release on his verified Facebook page, former Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the late Governor Ibrahim Yakowa, Reuben Buhari, wrote: “Do you remember the woman from Ariko village who gave birth in the kidnappers’ den, and someone had to use her teeth to cut the umbilical cord? You remembered the child died after three weeks? Well, she is free now. She came out with her three remaining daughters after 180 days of captivity.

“She was pregnant when she was kidnapped with Christy, her 4-year-old, and two other girls aged 6 and 12. She got out on Saturday with her three children, but Christy, the four-year-old, was very ill while still at the camp. Her eyes and legs were swollen, and she couldn’t walk at all, so they had to carry her.

“Her mother carried her on her back. When she grew tired, she gave Christy to the 12-year-old to carry as well; though both were very weak, they continued to carry Christy that way. And all were walking barefoot.

“They walked until it grew dark, and then they slept in the bush. In the morning, they continued their walk. But while they were walking, Christy, the sick four-year-old, died. They continued with the dead child on their backs, still swapping when one got tired.

“At one point, the mother became very weak, and it was the 12-year-old who continued to carry her 4-year-old dead sister on her back until they reached a village in Kachia LGA on Sunday afternoon, where some people came to their rescue. From there, they were moved to another village, where they are now receiving medical care to stabilise them before they are brought to Kaduna.

“The remaining Ariko victims, including the 11 kidnapped from Awon village, are still in the kidnappers’ hands, and most of the remaining victims are emaciated like these. Pray for them please.”