By IJEOMA UKAZU
The United Nation’s Children Fund, UNICEF has condemned in strong terms the deaths of three children in Borno State through unexploded ordnance.
UNICEF said that no fewer than children were killed on Thursday when a disused grenade they were playing with exploded outside the town of Ngala, near the border with Cameroon.
Reacting to the ugly development on Saturday, UNICEF Nigeria the said the death of any child through instrument of war is unacceptable.
A statement issued by UNICEF which was obtained by The Daily Newswave, said the avoidable deaths of the children – as young as 12 years – who were playing on Mblu Bridge in Ngala, was yet another sad reminder that children remain direct and indirect targets of the protracted conflict wracking north-east Nigeria.
“While three children have sadly lost their lives, three others are in critical conditions while two other children sustained mild injuries.
“In 12 years of protracted conflict in the north-east, thousands of children in the region have been killed, maimed, abducted, displaced, and experienced multiple violations of their human rights. UNICEF is deeply worried that conflict-affected children continue to be casualties of war.
“First of all, we extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the children killed. No family should have to go through this – and no child should fall victim to unexploded remnants of war while playing,” said Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria Representative.
“Children are at particular risk from unexploded ordnance, which are small enough to pick up or kick around, and which children can mistake for toys or objects of value. Such weapons account for over half of those killed or injured by landmines and other explosive remnants of war globally, ” the statement read.
UNICEF country’s director, Peter Hawkins, was also quoted as saying : “These deaths are unacceptable. All sides to the ongoing conflict must protect children and prioritise their wellbeing at all times. Playing fields, schoolyards and communities must be safe and habitable for children.