A cross-section of children in Umuahia has appealed to the government at all levels to find a lasting solution to the nation’s security challenges as the world marks 2021 Children’s Day.

They expressed worry over the growing insecurity in the nation and prayed for peace to return.
Miss Favour Emmanuel said she was not happy that this year’s Children’s Day celebration did not come with the usual fanfare because of insecurity.

The 11-year-old decried the spate of killings in the country, saying: “Every day, we hear of killings in different parts of the country, which is not good for us.

“I want the government to make peace with those behind the killings and protect the lives and property of its citizens.’’

Also, 12-year-old Miss Ifunanya Monday, who was seen at Abia Mall with her siblings and mother, said she pleaded with their mother to take them out.

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According to her, my mother was reluctant to take us to a public place like this because of insecurity.
“This place is not as busy as it used to be because many parents could not bring out their children to celebrate the day.

“As children, we want peace in Nigeria, we don’t want war,’’ she said.

For nine-year-old Master Chibueze Ekwuribe, the government should stop the killings of innocent children by Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, herdsmen, and other unknown gunmen.

Ekwuribe also called for prompt payment of workers’ salaries, “so that our parents can take care of the basic family needs”.

Master Chidubem Kanu, who was seen playing computer game at a recreation centre, urged the government to protect the rights of children.

“I want the government to stop the kidnapping and killing of school children because we are the future leaders.
“I want Nigeria to be peaceful,’’ said 10-year old Kanu.

At the Umuahia Township Stadium, some children who came to watch the traditional Children’s Day activities, expressed disappointment that there was no ceremony to mark the day.

Bright Emmanuel, 11, and his younger sister, Chidera, 8, said they came to watch the children’s march past and other competitions by schools.

They expressed sadness that the event was not celebrated as was the tradition in the past.
A civil servant, Mrs Chika Agomoh, who brought her children to the Game Starter at Abia Mall, attributed the situation to the worsening insecurity in the country.

Agomoh said: “As I was going out with my children, I had the feeling that I don’t know what was going to happen, especially at a public place like this.

“During our time, on Children’s Day like this, we go to the stadium for march past and other activities but all those memorable events are no more.

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“You can see how scanty this place is because parents are afraid to take their children out.
“We want peace in this country for the future of our children and the good of all of us,’’ she said.

Reacting to the low turnout of children at the mall, the Manager of Game Starter, Mr Smart Emole, said the situation was anticipated, considering the state of the nation.

“Apart from insecurity, most families are affected by the biting economic crunch.

“So parents prefer to cater for the basic needs of the family, such as food, shelter and clothing,’’ Emole said.