AUGUST 21, 2015 : NAN. A non-governmental organisation, Prevent Abuse of Children
Today Coalition in Cross River State, says that no fewer than
20 children are kidnapped in Cross River within nine
months.
This is contained in a statement by Mr. James Ibor,
Coordinator, PACT Coalition, Cross River State and Executive
Secretary Basic Rights Counsel Initiative of the group in
Calabar on Friday.
Ibor said that PACT had been investigating the recent spate
of child kidnapping in Calabar, an ancient city famous for its
serene and peaceful environment.
According to him, the city regarded as the safest in Nigeria is
now nose-diving into a den of kidnappers with incessant
reported cases of child kidnapping.
Ibor said, “The fact that Calabar is increasingly gaining this
sad reputation as a centre of child kidnapping should be of
major concern to all state and national leaders.
“Over the last nine months, at least 20 children in the city
and outskirts of Calabar have been reportedly kidnapped for
suspected ritual purposes.
“The number of such cases seems to be increasingly on the
rise. Children aged between one to seven years have been
reportedly kidnapped, leaving families distressed and
helpless.
“On the 9th of July 2015, a one year and nine months old
baby was kidnapped at Ikot-Abasi Obori Street, Ikot-Ishie
Town, Calabar. On 2nd June, 2015 a four and a half year old
child was kidnapped at Awi, Akamkpa.
“On 15th May, 2015, a four-year-old child was kidnapped at
Akamkpa and a two and a half year old child was also
kidnapped at Idang, Calabar South. In April, 2015 a four-
year-old child was kidnapped at 8 mile Axis of Calabar.
“Other cases include a one and half year old child kidnapped
in May, 2015 when the kidnappers lured the child’s mother
to Aba, Abia State, under the pretence of giving her a job.
“Again, in April, 2015 a seven-year-old child was kidnapped
at Ambo Street, Calabar South. Another seven-year-old child
was kidnapped in April, 2015 at Idang, Calabar South.
“On 14th May, 2014 a two-year-old child was kidnapped at
Okon Ekpo Close, Off Jebbs, Calabar South. In September,
2014 a four-year-old child was kidnapped at Adiabo,
Odukpani.
“Also, a little boy of six years and her sister (a two-year-old
child), were both kidnapped in June, 2014 at Ikot-Eyo,
Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Cross River.
“We have the full data and documentation of these
kidnapped children in Cross River.”
He said that it was also worrisome that parents had been
subjected to desperation and trauma in course of financing
investigations by law enforcement agents.
The organization also condemned what it called heartless
and senseless kidnapping of children in Cross River, and
urged the Federal and state governments to put an end to
child kidnapping.
According to the organisation it will help save and protect
the lives of our younger generation.
He appealed to all to ensure that the victims were returned
to their parents alive, adding that anyone suspected of
involving in kidnapping of children should be prosecuted.
Ibor said,” Child rights are human rights. We must prevent
abuse of children today.”
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