UNICEF condemns abduction of 21 children in Katsina

United Nations Children’s Fund has condemned the recent abduction of 21 children in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State saying that the report was worrisome. The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, stated this in a media statement made available to journalists in Bauchi on Friday.

She described it as a “reprehensible” abduction of children whether at home, at school or anywhere. She expressed worry that the children are victims of attacks by people who should be protecting them. Munduate called on the government to immediately rescue them unhurt so they can be reunited with their families.

“UNICEF is concerned about the report of the abduction of the 21 children at a farm in Mairuwa community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, north-west Nigeria. Confirmed reports indicate the 21 children – 17  girls and 4 boys – aged  between 15 and 18, were abducted last Sunday at about 12:30 p.m by ‘bandits.’

“Abduction of children whether  at home, at school, on the farm, or anywhere else, is reprehensible. Children should never be the target of violence, especially by anyone who should be protecting them. We call on the authorities to take necessary action to rescue the abducted children and reunite them  with their families unhurt, and  without delay.

“UNICEF also calls on the authorities to rescue other persons reported  to have been kidnapped  on the farm at the same time the children were abducted,” she said.

The UNICEF Country Chief concluded that the “tragic” incident is yet an indication of the danger children face by acts perpetrated by people who should protect them.