25 children kidnapped in Congo by suspected Seleka rebels from Central Africa Republic: Civil society head

Rebels kidnap children from several villages, loot shops, houses, says Theophile Zagbina

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - At least 25 children between the ages of 10 and 18 were kidnapped Tuesday in the Congolese province of Bas-Uele.

UN radio said the children were kidnapped during an incursion by armed men around 4 a.m.

It said the president of local civil society, Theophile Zagbina, said the abductions occurred in three villages in Bas-Uele province, Ango territory of Mopoyi chiefdom, 800 kilometers (497 miles) north of Kisangani.

“The perpetrators, believed to be fighters from the Seleka, a Central African rebellion, also looted some houses and shops in Banda. But before that, they operated in several villages 22 kilometers away from Banda including Nambagu and Zamoyilaa where they abducted children and also looted shops and homes,” he said,

Security officer, Lieut. Peter Khalosi said that the army is pursuing those who abducted the children.

Attacks on villages and abductions in the Congo are common in different areas of the country.

Kaynak: