The United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) says it was relieved by the news of the release of 21 children abducted at a farm in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, north-west Nigeria, on Sunday, October 30, 2022.
“We commend the authorities for the action taken to release the kidnapped children who were rescued last Saturday,” UNICEF said in a statement on Monday.
“The release of all the abducted 21 children – 17 girls and four boys – is pleasant news to all parents, caregivers, community leaders, and everyone.”
The global body lamented that children should not be targets for abduction or any form of violence.
“These children shouldn’t have been kidnapped in the first place because no one, especially children, should be a target for abduction or violence of any kind.”
It reiterated its support for the Katsina State Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Social Development to provide psycho-social support to the rescued children to help them recover from the trauma and reintegrate into society.
On Sunday night, the Katsina State Police Command announced the release of 21 children abducted by terrorists.
The children were working in farmland at Kamfani Mailafiya village in the Faskari Local Government Area of the state.
UNICEF had on Friday urged authorities to swing into action and rescue the children.
In a statement signed by UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms Cristian Munduate, the UN agency described the abductions as “reprehensible.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Gambo Isah, who announced the release of the victims in a message he sent on the command’s WhatsApp platform, said the victims had been reunited with their respective families as investigations continue.
