UNICEF condemns in the strongest possible terms the abduction on Friday of some 100 children in western Ethiopia during a brutal attack on their community by armed assailants, allegedly cattle raiders from South Sudan.  Unverified reports indicate that children are also among the dead and wounded. 

Our staff are assessing the situation of children affected by this horrific act of unbridled violence, and stand ready to support the community. 

Any attack on children, for whatever reason and in any context, is a violation of human rights and an assault on our common humanity.  As the Ethiopian government works to obtain the release of these children, UNICEF joins in calling for their swift and unconditional release to their families.