UNICEF reacts to abduction of 21 Katsina school children

United Nations Children’s Fund has condemned the recent abduction of 21 children in the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State saying that the report was worrisome.

The UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, in a statement issued in Bauchi on Friday described the abduction of children, either at home, in school or elsewhere as “reprehensible”.

She expressed worry that the children were victims of attacks by people who should be protecting them.

Munduate called on the government to immediately rescue the children unhurt so they can be reunited with their families.

“UNICEF is concerned about the report of the abduction of 21 children at a farm in Mairuwa community, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“Confirmed reports indicate the 21 children – 17  girls and four boys – aged between 15 and 18, were abducted on 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.