By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
The United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Nigerian Police Force over the recent rescue of 50 abducted children, who were being held by a church at its premises in Ondo Town.
The UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Peter Hawkins, who gave the commendation in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, described the rescue operation as a positive development.
Mr. Hawkins also called on governments to redouble efforts to protect children against all forms of violence.
“Children should not be targets of violence in whatever guise. Violence against children is condemnable and we call on governments to redouble efforts to protect children against all forms of violence.
“A society’s health is measured by how it treats its children.” He said.
NATIONAL ACCORD had reported that the rescue operation was made possible following the intelligence report gathered by the Police at Fagun Division, Ondo Town.
According to the state police spokesman, SP Funmilayo Odunlami, said: “it was gathered that some children are being harboured at The Whole Bible Believers Church AKA ONDO CHURCH, Valentino area, Ondo Town.
“Policemen were sent to the Church to invite the Pastor and the members of the Church on sighting the Police attacked them.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that one Pastor Josiah Peter Asumosa, an Assistant Pastor in the Church was the one who told the members that Rapture will take place in April.
“But later said it has been changed to September, 2022 and told the young members to obey only their parents in the Lord.
“Another family who was also around during the rescue said their daughter a part 3 student, dropped out of school due to the strange teachings of the Pastor and left home in January, 2022 to start living in the Church.
“In all, 77 members including 26 children, eight teenagers and 43 adult members were rescued from the Church,” she said.
Odunlami, who said that the two pastors were in Police custody said investigation had commenced and the outcome would be made known to the members of the Public.
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