Hundreds of toddlers and children on Sunday took to the streets in Port Harcourt to protest incessant kidnapping of underaged persons in Rivers State.

The children, marched through some major streets in the city carrying placards and banners.

Some of the placards read, “Stop kidnapping,” “We are innocent,” “We need peace,” “ Rivers State is ours, let’s defend its unity,” “Stop child abuse, trafficking, rape and slavery,” and “Don’t kidnap us again.”

As they marched along, they sang in an uncoordinated manner, evoking pity from adults who gathered in some places to listen to them.

At a point on Nnamdi Azikiwe Road and a few metres to the State Government House, the little protesters openly begged motorists and other road users to ask kidnappers to stop kidnapping them.

At the Government House,the protesting children delivered a message to the state Governor, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.

One of the speakers, little Precious Obasi, condemned those responsible for the spate of kidnappings of children and mothers in the state.

“We want the governor to provide school fees for those who cannot go to school. We want peace to be restored in the state.”

Another speaker, Hanniel Nwachukwu said, “We came to the Government House to tell kidnappers to stop kidnapping us. We came to the Government House to tell the governor to stop the kidnappings.

“We want him to provide jobs for people who don’t have something to do. We came to seek peace in the Niger Delta. We are tired of being kidnapped and taken hostage.”

“What did a three-month old baby do to be kidnapped? Why would kidnappers not leave innocent children alone? We are tired of abuses and slavery and we want these to stop.”

Abe said, “What we are seeing today did not happen when we were children. We didn’t have to carry placards and protest for the government to protect us.

“We are sorry that you are facing this situation. You have not done anything wrong for you to be kidnapped. It is not your fault. We the older ones have disappointed you by not doing what is right and this has lead to the situation where people kidnap you.

“This government will do everything humanly possible within its powers to bring this ugly situation to an end. We are going to look for those who kidnap you and send them to jail.

“But please children, when somebody you don’t know asked you to follow him anywhere, don’t follow him. You should also ask your parents and teachers to report any suspicious persons in your schools and homes to the police.”

Over 20 toddlers and children have been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen since 2007 in the state.

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What did a three-month old baby do to be kidnapped? Why would kidnappers not leave innocent children alone? We are tired of abuses and slavery and we want these to stop.”

This touched my heart. I hope they listen.