Terrorism: Air chief backs parliament to tackle children recruitment

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Friday in Abuja.

Amao who met with the representative of FCT in the children parliament, Splendour Joe-King, said her project targeted at vulnerable children was timely, in view of the security challenges in the country.

‘‘It is commendable that as a young lady, you have focused your attention on helpless children bearing in mind that sustenance of peace is key to nation building,’’ he said.

Amao, however, advised Joe-King to look beyond her current focus on assisting school children, to also include the out-of-school children and women.

“These set of people usually bear the brunt of conflicts and are more vulnerable to being recruited as terrorists,” he added.

The CAS called on them to intensify awareness campaign, especially in rural communities to educate school children on the effects of child terrorism and other social vices.

He pledged to ensure that Peace Clubs were set up in all NAF schools nationwide.

“I will also lend my voice to yours on the best way possible in the fight against child terrorism,” the CAS said.

Earlier, Joe-King told the CAS that her “Nigerian Children Call for Peace Project”, was aimed at propagating the doctrine of peace, unity and sustainable development.

She also said that the project would push for the establishment of Peace Clubs in schools across the country.

“The initiative intends to mainstream children into peace development and peace building to achieve a zero violent society,” she added.

Joe-King called for the integration of terrorism education into the curriculum of primary and secondary schools.

The children parliamentarian said she had writing a book titled, ‘Effects of Terrorism on Children’, as part of efforts to educate and carry all children along on matters of terrorism.

She solicited for NAF support and encouragement to ensure the success of the campaign.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Joe-King, 16, is a human rights advocate for the National Human Rights Commission and holder of Duke of Edinburgh International Award for Young People.

She is also a peace ambassador and lead convener of the Nigerian Children Call for Peace Project.