Escaping After Six Months in Captivity

A Kaduna mother and her three surviving daughters have regained their freedom after spending approximately 180 days in captivity. However, their return ended in heartbreak as the family's four-year-old daughter died while they were trekking through the bush after escaping from their abductors.

The woman, whose identity has been withheld for safety, escaped from the kidnappers' hideout on Saturday alongside her daughters aged six and 12. The family had originally been abducted from Ariko village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State while the woman was pregnant.

Their youngest daughter, Christy, who was also abducted with the family, reportedly died during the arduous journey to safety after battling severe illness and exhaustion. Reuben Buhari, a security analyst and former Kaduna governorship aide, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, describing the family's ordeal as one of unimaginable suffering.

The Ordeal in the Forest

According to Buhari, the woman gave birth while in captivity, but the newborn survived for only about three weeks due to the harsh conditions in the kidnappers' camp. Following their escape, the mother and her daughters—weak, barefoot, and physically exhausted—embarked on a dangerous trek through the forest in search of safety.

Christy had become critically ill before the escape, suffering from swollen eyes and legs that left her unable to walk. The family reportedly walked until nightfall on Saturday and spent the night in the bush before resuming their journey the following morning. Tragedy struck before they could reach help as Christy died while they were still trekking through the forest.

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

— Reuben Buhari, Security Analyst and Former Kaduna Governorship Aide

Despite their grief, the devastated mother and her daughters continued their journey while carrying the child's body, taking turns whenever one became too weak to continue. When the mother could no longer bear the weight, the 12-year-old daughter continued carrying her younger sister's body until they eventually reached a village in Kachia Local Government Area on Sunday afternoon.

Remaining Captives and Humanitarian Impact

Residents of the community provided immediate assistance before moving the survivors to another village where they are currently receiving medical attention. They are expected to be transferred to Kaduna for further treatment. Buhari noted that the woman and her daughters were among several residents abducted from Ariko village and neighboring communities about six months ago.

The security situation remains dire for those left behind. Buhari disclosed that 33 other victims from Ariko, including 11 persons kidnapped from Awon village, remain in captivity. Many of the remaining captives are reported to be severely weakened and emaciated due to the conditions of their holding.

• 33 victims from Ariko village remain in custody
• 11 individuals from Awon village are still missing
• Many captives are reported to be in critical physical condition

The incident underscores the continuing humanitarian toll of banditry and mass abductions in parts of Kaduna State. Families in the region continue to endure prolonged captivity, loss, and uncertainty while awaiting rescue or the release of their loved ones from armed groups.