By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
ActionAid urges FG to prioritize rescue of abducted Borno IDPs and Kaduna pupils.
ActionAid Nigeria has strongly condemned the abductions of Internally Displaced Persons IDPs in the Gambarou-Ngala area of Borno State and pupils and teachers of LEA Primary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State.
Over 280 pupils and teachers from Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State, were abducted by bandits, as reported by reporters. The bandits invaded the Kuriga area of Chikun Local Government Area, shooting at their victims before taking away the pupils and teachers.
This abduction occurred shortly after insurgents kidnapped 200 internally displaced women while they were fetching firewood in Ngala, Borno State.
In a statement by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, ActionAid Nigeria likened these abductions to the tragic events of the Chibok and Dapchi girls, emphasizing the need for immediate action to prevent a repeat of such outcomes.
ActionAid called on the governments of Borno and Kaduna states, as well as the Federal Government, to prioritize the urgent rescue of the abductees and ensure their safe return to their families.
Mamedu stated, “Every passing moment without action brings us closer to a repeat of the tragic outcomes witnessed in previous abductions. It is absurd and unacceptable that over 200 Nigerians in Borno State have been kidnapped since February 29 without any decisive action being taken to rescue them and that scores of children were abducted in Kaduna State just a few days later. We refuse to tolerate the same failures and slow progress in rescuing our abducted compatriots.”
The group also demanded accountability and justice for all the victims of the abductions, urging security agencies to take decisive action to prevent further harm to the abductees.
Additionally, ActionAid emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative to ensure a safe learning environment for all children in Nigeria.
Mamedu stressed that the government must prioritize the lives and well-being of the abductees, urging swift action by security agencies.
He concluded, “ActionAid Nigeria also calls upon the international community, civil society organisations, and all stakeholders to join us in advocating for the immediate and safe rescue of the abducted IDPs and kidnapped pupils.”
ActionAid, abduction