Disturbing kidnapping of schoolchildren going on in Nigeria: UN
The UN has raised the alarm over protracted schoolchildren kidnapping in Nigeria, noting that it is disturbing.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Tuesday, condemned the abduction of some students of Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, Chikun local government area of Kaduna.
A spokesperson for Mr Guterres, Stephane Dujarric, said this while briefing correspondents at the UN headquarters in New York.
Bandits abducted no fewer than 140 students from the boarding school on Monday.
Mr Dujarric said, “I can tell you that the secretary-general strongly condemns the abduction of students from the Bethel Baptist School as well as hospital employees in two separate incidents in Kaduna state on July 5.
“The secretary-general is disturbed by the frequency of ‘kidnapping for ransom’ of predominantly children from schools by extremist groups and criminal networks.”
According to him, Mr Guterres underscored the need to bring perpetrators of the grave human rights violations to account and enhance the safety and security of schools and educational facilities.
Briefing on Mozambique, Mr Dujarric said the World Food Programme (WFP) had warned that, without urgent funding, the displacement crisis in the north of Mozambique could become a hunger emergency.
He said displacement had left at least 730,000 people in Cabo Delgado with no access to their land and no means of earning a living.
“Close to 230,000 people are highly food insecure, according to the latest food security data, which was collected before the attacks in Palma. This number is projected to increase during the lean season, which begins in October; many of those who fled the violence in Palma are being hosted by locals.
“The added pressure on already scarce resources is impacting host communities struggling themselves with rising food prices and loss of income due to the pandemic,’’ he said.
According to UN data, in some districts, the host communities are as food insecure as those who are displaced, noting that in these situations and always, children are the most impacted.
“WFP is urgently appealing for $121 million until the end of the year to support 750,000 people in the northern districts of Cabo Delgado,’’ he stated.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
NSCDC nabs five suspects for illicit drug dealing, cultism, fraud
He urged the general public to make available information and facts that could assist in sanitising the environment of criminal elements.
Heading 3
Tinubu appoints heads of NESREA, NDRBDA
He said that the President expected that the new heads of these important agencies to discharge their duties with utmost fidelity to the nation.
Economy
Nigerian Breweries shareholders approve N600 billion capital raise
Mr Hiemstra said that the company also desires to return its business to profitability while creating value for the shareholders.
World
EU to provide another €68 million in aid for Palestinians in Gaza
The EU is also involved in airdropping supplies provided by member states and allies into the sealed-off coastal region.
Anti-Corruption
Yahaya Bello: Court summons EFCC chairman Olukoyede over alleged contempt
Mr Jamil’s order was based on a motion ex-parte filed by Mr Bello through his lawyer, M.S. Yusuf.
Education
Former varsity chancellor calls for mandatory drug tests for lecturers
According to him, it would further sanitise the university system and promote sanctity and academic excellence.