The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Friday called on relevant Nigerian authorities to hastily rescue 21 children abducted in a farm in Mairuwa community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State on Sunday. The UNICEF, in a statement signed by its Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, described the abductions as “reprehensible,” abduction of children whether at home, at school or anywhere. While strongly condemning the act UNICEF said it is concerned 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 no fewer than 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.
“This tragic incident is yet an indication of the danger children face by acts perpetrated by people who should protect them.”
