UNICEF Demands Immediate Release Of Abducted Kebbi Students, Condemns Attack On Girls’ School
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the deadly attack on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Kebbi State, which left the school’s vice-principal dead and at least 25 students reportedly abducted.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, UNICEF Nigeria’s Communication Specialist, Sussan Akila, described the assault as “yet another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely.”
UNICEF expressed deep sympathy to the affected families and community, saying:
“We stand with the affected community at this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences go to those who have lost their loved ones, and we wish a full recovery for those injured.”
The organisation demanded the swift and unconditional release of the abducted students, stressing that attacks on schools violate international law and undermine children’s fundamental rights.
“Students, education facilities, and their personnel should be protected under international law from any form of attack, and those responsible must be held to account in accordance with national and international standards,” Akila said.
UNICEF also reminded authorities of Nigeria’s commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration, which the government endorsed in 2015 to safeguard the civilian nature of learning environments and ensure safe access to education during conflict.
The agency urged the government to intensify efforts to fully implement the declaration and strengthen child protection systems nationwide.
UNICEF reaffirmed its readiness to continue working with government partners, civil society, and communities to enhance school safety, insisting that “no child should be put at risk while pursuing an education.”
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