By Ijeoma UKAZU
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has expressed concern about the report of the abduction of no fewer than 21 children at a farm in the Mairuwa community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, north-west Nigeria.
Making this known in a statement signed by Ms Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, she said “Confirmed reports indicate that 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.”
Munduate said UNICEF calls on the authorities to rescue other persons reported to have been kidnapped on the farm at the same time the children were abducted.
“This tragic incident is yet an indication of the danger children face by acts perpetrated by people who should protect them.”