Feb.1, 2022

…Says from 2014 about 100 still missing or unaccounted for

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has welcomed the release of four of the 22 girls recently abducted by insurgents in Chibok Local Government Area of Borno.

A statement by Information Officer, UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office, Folashade Adebayo, said the organisation has urged for the immediate release of all captives.

Recall that 22 women and two men were abducted by insurgents in three separate attacks on Pemi, Kautikari and Korohuma areas of Chibok last month.

“UNICEF is very relieved for the released girls and their families. After their harrowing experience, it is good news that the girls are back with their families and friends, where they belong.

“But sadly, dozens of children in north eastern Nigeria remain in captivity; the victims of an armed conflict they have nothing to do with. This is unconscionable.

“Children have the right to a safe environment, health, education and freedom from abuse and torture – all of which remain compromised when they are in captivity,’’ the statement quoted Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria as saying.

It decried how children in Nigeria continue to face violation of their rights, including abductions, torture, killings, recruitment into armed groups, and forced marriages, among others.

“Between December and July of last year, at least 1,450 children were abducted, most from their schools across central and north west regions of the country,” the statement said.

It said from 2014 no fewer than 1,000 children have been abducted with about 100 still missing or unaccounted for.