UNICEF Condemns Death of Three Children in Borno Explosion

Michael Olugbode, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the death of three children through unexploded device in Borno State, describing the incident as unacceptable.

UNICEF expressed this disappointment in a statement its Country Representative, Mr. Peter Hawkins issued yesterday.
The incident occurred on Thursday when a disused grenade they were playing with exploded outside the town of Ngala, near the border with Cameroon.

As a result, three children lost their lives, leaving three others in critical conditions, with two other children sustained mild injuries.
In its reaction yesterday, UNICEF said the death of any child through instrument of war “is unacceptable.”

It noted that the avoidable deaths of the children – as young as 12 years – who were playing on Mblu Bridge in Ngala, “is yet another sad reminder that children remain direct and indirect targets of the protracted conflict wracking north-east Nigeria.
“While three children have sadly lost their lives, three others are in critical conditions while two other children sustained mild injuries.

“In 12 years of protracted conflict in the north-east, thousands of children in the region have been killed, maimed, abducted, displaced, and experienced multiple violations of their human rights.

“UNICEF is deeply worried that conflict-affected children continue to be casualties of war,” the statement said
The global children institution sympathised with the family of the victims of the exploded grenade.

It said: “We extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the families of the children killed. No family should have to go through this – and no child should fall victim to unexploded remnants of war while playing”.

“Children are at particular risk from unexploded ordnance, which are small enough to pick up or kick around, and which children can mistake for toys or objects of value. Such weapons account for over half of those killed or injured by landmines and other explosive remnants of war globally. ”

Quoted in the statement, UNICEF country representative noted that the death of the children “is are unacceptable. All sides to the ongoing conflict must protect children and prioritise their wellbeing at all times. Playing fields, schoolyards and communities must be safe and habitable for children.

“Children’s lives should not be at stake in a conflict they didn’t start. We must address the shrinking safe spaces for children and ensure that children – especially those already affected by conflict – are protected and have a chance to survive and fulfill their potential.”