The Economic Community of West African States has called for the immediate release of the 80 kidnapped children in Zamfara State.
The children, who are between the ages of 12 and 17, were kidnapped, according to BBC Hausa.
Some parents of the abducted children who spoke to the British media outlet said the victims were in the bush fetching firewood at about 8 am when the assailants rounded them up and marched them into the forest.
Bandits have continued to attack residents in the state despite government interventions to address the problem.
However, in a statement by the Commission on Tuesday, condemned the terrorist act, urging all relevant authorities to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
The statement read, “The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States is following with grave concern reports about the kidnapping of 80 children by unidentified armed elements on April 7, 2023, in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
“The ECOWAS Commission roundly condemns this dastardly terrorist act on innocent children and calls for their immediate and unconditional release. It calls on the Nigerian authorities to promptly hunt down the perpetrators of this heinous act and bring them to justice.
“The Commission stands in solidarity with the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the affected families in this difficult moment. It reiterates its commitment to continue accompanying the Government in the fight against terrorism and banditry.”
