The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has asked the Federal Government to secure the immediate release of the 25 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State, insisting that Nigeria must fully enforce the Safe Schools Declaration it endorsed in 2015.
The agency’s appeal followed Monday’s attack on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area.
During the incident, armed men killed the school’s vice-principal and kidnapped the students, raising renewed alarm over persistent assaults on schools in the Northwest.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 18, by Sussan Akila, Communication Specialist for UNICEF Nigeria, the organisation condemned the attack.
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.”
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She expressed sympathy to affected families, noting, “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.”
Akila further called for the release of the kidnapped girls. “UNICEF further urges the swift release of the abducted children,” she said.
She also stressed the need to secure learning environments.
“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 stated.
Recalling Nigeria’s pledge under the Safe Schools Declaration, she added, “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.”
UNICEF said it would continue working with authorities and communities to strengthen safety measures, concluding,
“These systems and environments must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies. No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education,” she said.