The United Nations (UN) has expressed concern over the spate of indiscriminate kidnapping of civilians by bandits in Nigeria.
The Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, Mr. Stéphane Dujarric, stated 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.”
In November, armed men abducted at least 25 pupils and killed a teacher at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
This was followed by the kidnapping of around 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State.
After approximately a week in captivity, the students of Kebbi’s Government Secondary School were released by their abductors.
However, dozens of pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger escaped their kidnappers, while 100 were released after two weeks in captivity.
The remaining more than 130 pupils were liberated on December 21, capping a 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 program that is in place in Nigeria.”
However, attacks on churchgoers have persisted in Kogi and Kwara states in recent times.
Some of the victims, including newborns, children, and the elderly, are still held captive.
The UN spokesperson promised continued collaboration with the Nigerian government to address the situation.
