97092023

Story

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a compelling appeal to the Nigerian federal and state governments, urging them to take strong measures to prosecute bandits responsible for heinous crimes against children and women. In a press statement, UNICEF Representative Cristian Munduate expressed deep concern over the lack of proper legal actions taken against bandits who have been involved in assaulting and killing children, women, abducting, and committing acts of rape.

Munduate’s statement came as she addressed the media in Maiduguri on August 18, 2023, ahead of World Humanitarian Day on August 19. She emphasized that it is essential for the judicial system to be fortified to ensure that these bandits face the consequences of their actions before the courts of law.

Senses (Child Safeguarding and Protection Principles):

The ongoing insecurity in Nigeria has escalated with the proliferation of non-state armed groups, each with distinct motivations and methods. These groups encompass criminal gangs, separatist organizations, religious extremists, and unidentified gunmen. The term “banditry” has been adopted by authorities to describe a spectrum of criminal activities, including robbery, kidnapping, murder, rape, and illegal possession of firearms.

UNICEF has expressed grave concerns over the escalating violence’s impact on children’s education. Over one million children are projected to be unable to attend school due to the persistent threats of violence. Nigeria already faces the grim reality of having the highest number of out-of-school children in sub-Saharan Africa, with approximately 20 million children being denied education.

Stones (Child Safeguarding and Protection Lessons):

This urgent call for the proper prosecution of bandits underscores the paramount importance of safeguarding children from the devastating effects of violence and crime. As stakeholders in child protection, we join UNICEF in urging the Nigerian government to uphold the rights of children by ensuring that those responsible for their suffering face the full force of the law. It is a solemn duty to create an environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive without fear of harm or exploitation. We emphasize the need for swift and thorough legal actions that not only seek justice but also serve as a deterrent against future acts of violence targeting children and vulnerable individuals.