Child abductions rampant in Padang

Child abductions rampant in Padang

PADANG, West Sumatra: Human rights activists demanded on Wednesday that security authorities strive to halt the rampant kidnapping of school children in the West Sumatra capital of Padang.

"We want police to do their utmost to cope with this problem so that kidnappers will be deterred and stop their crimes," said Zarnifa Basril, a deputy chairperson of the West Sumatra Institute of Human Rights.

She said a number of children had been abducted in the city by women, who usually claimed to be teachers. The kidnappers often targeted victims wearing gold jewelry, such as necklaces and rings, he added, quoting several school girls who escaped abductions.

Zarnifa said the cases had caused deep alarm among parents. --Antara