The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate has called on the Federal Government to ensure the speedy release of 21 children abducted at a farm in Mairuwa community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State on Sunday, October 30, 2022.
Ms Munduate’s plea was contained in a statement issued on Friday, November 4, 2022.
She said, UNICEF was concerned about the report of the abduction of the children which comprised of 17 girls and 4 boys, aged between 15 and 18. She therefore called on the relevant authorities to take necessary action to rescue the abducted children and reunite them with their families unhurt, and without delay:
“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”, Munduate queried.
