36 children who were forced to join the army by Johnson Olony in Upper Nile State have been released and reunited with their families.

The children were among 89 others who were taken last month while sitting their exams in Wau Shilluk.

Col Aguer told Eye Radio that those who have been released are less than 18 years old.

“After a visit of a joint committee from the army and members from Unicef, we knew that the number of the children which were recruited by force is 36 and they are now with their families and in their schools especially in Wau Shulluk,” Col Aguer said.

“If there are more children than this, that means they are not among the children whose age is less than 18 years.”

Unicef said the children were abducted in February and has been campaigning for their release.

When contacted by Eye Radio to confirm the release of the children, Unicef declined to comment.