Police have confirmed the release of all 21 children abducted while working on a farm at Kamfanin Mai Lafia village in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, North-West Nigeria.
Police spokesperson, Superintendent Gambo Isah who confirmed the development was however silent on whether ransom was paid or not.
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Although, Isah had while confirming their abduction on October 30 said that, both the police and military were on top of the situation with a view to rescuing the children.
Recall that the 21 children consisting of 17 girls and four boys were abducted by terrorists operating in the Faskari Forest area on October 30 who later demanded payment of N30 million as ransom for their release.
The message by the police spokesperson read: “Good evening Gentlemen of the Press. It is with great joy that I announce the release of all the 21 abducted workers that were kidnapped while working in a farmland at Kamfanin Mai Lafiya village, Faskari LGA of Katsina State”.
According to the message, Isah stressed that all the children have been reunited with their families while investigation is ongoing.
The release of the children is coming hours after the United Nations Children’s Fund, Unicef raised serious concerns over their abduction.
The UN body in a statement by its representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said, “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”.
The organisation therefore called on the authorities to take necessary action to rescue the abducted children and reunite them with their families unhurt, and without delay.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
