The United Nations has expressed concern over the spate of indiscriminate abductions of civilians by bandits in Nigeria.
The Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Mr Stéphane Dujarric, said during a daily briefing on Monday that the continued attacks on civilians by bandits were unacceptable.
“We are very much concerned at the fact that so many other students, young people, young men and young women continue to be detained by armed groups,” Dujarric said.
“And obviously, we’re continuing to see violence.”
Armed men abducted at least 25 students and killed a teacher in November during an attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
This was closely followed by the abduction of more than 300 schoolchildren and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State.
The students of the Government Secondary School in Kebbi were released by their abductors after spending about a week in captivity.
However, dozens of students of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger escaped from their abductors, while a total of 100 were released after spending two weeks in captivity.
The remaining more than 130 students were released on Dec. 21, ending their month-long ordeal.
Dujarric said, “We’re obviously pleased that we saw a large group of students released.
“And I can tell you that the United Nations system will continue to work with the Government of Nigeria to try to address these problems.
“Notably, in terms of the safe schools programme that is in place in Nigeria.”
However, attacks on church worshippers have continued across Kogi and Kwara states in recent times.
Some of the victims, including infants, children and the elderly, are still being held in captivity.
The UN spokesperson pledged continued collaboration with the Nigerian Government to address the situation.
NAN
