Kebbi School Girls: UNICEF Frowns At Abduction, Demands Immediate Release
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, an agency of the United Nations that provides humanitarian and developmental aid to children and mothers worldwide has called on the Nigerian government to ensure the immediate release of the 25 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State.
This follows the unexpected abduction of 25 school girls from a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
It was reported that the gunmen killed the vice-principal and abducted the students in the early hours on Monday.
UNICEF made the call in a statement issued by the Communication Specialist for UNICEF Nigeria, Sussan Akila on Tuesday.
Condemning the incident, UNICEF urged the Federal government ensured a fully implemented 2015 Safe Schools Declaration following the latest school attack that left a vice-principal dead.
Akila said: “UNICEF strongly condemns the reported attack on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Kebbi State, which resulted in the death of the school’s Vice-Principal and the abduction of 25 students.
“This tragic incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely.”
“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.”
Stressing the obligation to safeguard learning spaces; Akila said, “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,”.
She also referenced Nigeria’s 2015 commitment, she stated, “In 2015, the Nigerian government endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, which outlines concrete steps to safeguard the civilian nature of schools and universities to ensure safe access of students to education during conflict.”
“These systems and environments must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies.
“No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education,” the statement added.
The latest abduction incident mirrors the Boko Haram abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram.
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