Tragedy struck along the Kachia road on Sunday, April 26, 2026, when armed bandits ambushed a vehicle conveying schoolchildren from Akwando village, Kachia LGA, Kaduna State.
The children were on their way to Kachia to resume school when the attackers struck less than 10 minutes into the journey. Despite efforts by the driver to evade the ambush, the vehicle was overpowered, and several occupants were taken.
Those abducted include:
- Augustina Muntari (SS2, GSS Gumel)
- Happy Muntari (JS2, GSS Gumel)
- Favour Tanimu (JS2, GSS Kachia)
- Patience Joseph (JS2, GSS Kachia)
- Peace Irimiya (St. John’s School, Kachia)
- Bishara Irimiya (St. John’s School, Kachia)
- Irimiya Galadima (driver)
- Fatu Danladi (adult)
- Laraba Caleb (adult)
In the chaos, one student, Purity Babangida, lost her life while attempting to escape from the attackers.
Amid the horror, a number of students managed to flee. At least 15 children reportedly jumped from the moving vehicle and trekked for hours through the bush before reaching nearby communities, including Awon, where they found safety.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistent insecurity in the region, particularly the dangers faced by students trying to access education.
Families and communities remain in distress as they await news of the abducted victims, with growing calls for urgent action to secure rural roads and protect schoolchildren.
As the situation unfolds, many are holding on to hope and offering prayers for the safe return of those taken.
