By Asmau Ahmad
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the abduction of 21 children at a farm in Mairuwa community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State on October 30.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate, who expressed the concern in a statement to newsmen in Kaduna, called on responsible authorities to take proactive steps to rescue the children.
Munduate said that confirmed reports indicated that of the 21 children, 17 were girls and four were boys of ages between 15 and 18 years.
She added that “UNICEF is concerned about the report of the abduction of no fewer than 21 children at a farm in Mairuwa community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, North-West Nigeria.
“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.”
She called 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 faces by acts perpetrated by people who should protect them,” she said.
