The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has expressed sadness over the recent mass abduction of students in different parts of Nigeria.
Gunmen had abducted over 300 people including students and staff of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Friday.
The incident marked the fourth mass abduction of school children in the North in the space of four months.
In his reaction, Guterres in a post on Twitter urged authorities to ensure the safe release of the students and the prosecution of the abductors.
He said, “I’m deeply saddened to learn of yet another mass abduction of students from a school in Nigeria.
“Schools must remain safe spaces to learn without fear of violence. The students must be returned to their families, and those responsible for this crime must be brought to justice.”
Reports on Friday by Punch said troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued some of those abducted from the school.
Kaduna State Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement said that 42 female students, 30 male students and eight staff were rescued by the troops.
According to Aruwan, about 30 students, inclusive of males and females, are yet to be accounted for.