KHARTOUM, Sudan, March 24 (UPI) -- The United Nations is calling for the release of a team of engineers abducted by rebel operatives in Sudan's violent Darfur region.

Ted Chaiban, special representative for the U.N. Children's Fund, says the armed abduction of four men from Sudan's State Water Corp. and the hijacking of their equipment highlight the growing risks faced by those trying to provide needed services and aid to the Darfur region. Chaiban is calling for the immediate release of the engineers, the United Nations reported.

"This incident underlines that it is not only U.N. and non-governmental organizations that are vulnerable to such banditry," Chaiban said in a statement. "Many humanitarian services are provided by technical staff from government departments and they too are at risk of such attacks. This cannot be condoned, and we demand that all such workers are allowed to operate with safety and security in the Darfur region."

Sudan's State Water is a key partner for UNICEF in attempting to provide the people of Sudan water and sanitation services. Officials say the armed bandits, which have become a serious problem, abducted the four drivers and hijacked the team's vehicles and drilling rig in Um Tajok, in North Darfur.