By Ken Afor
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the federal government of Nigeria to implement comprehensive measures to secure schools across the country, following Thursday’s attack by armed bandits at Government Secondary School and LEA primary school in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where dozens of school children and teachers were abducted.
According to reports, the bandits shot at their victims and abducted at least 280 pupils and teachers from two schools in the area.
In a statement released on Friday by UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, the increasing rate of kidnapping in the country places of learning indicates a serious problem which requires urgent and decisive action from the federal, state, and local governments as well as society as a whole to address the issue effectively.
While condemning the abduction, the UNICEF country representative expresses deep concern about the pattern of attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria, especially in the northwest region, and the escalating violence and kidnappings carried out by armed bandits in the region.
According to Munduate, these attacks targeted at women, girls, and boys by a non-state armed group in Borno state underscores the severity and persistence of insecurity in Nigeria.
Munduate said: “I am deeply saddened and concerned by the reports of yet another abduction of students in Kaduna State. The alarming frequency of such incidents across the country signals a crisis that requires immediate and determined action from all levels of government and society. Schools are supposed to be sanctuaries of learning and growth, not sites of fear and violence.
“This latest abduction, as any previously, is highly condemnable and part of a worrying trend of attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria, particularly in the northwest, where armed groups have intensified their campaign of violence and kidnappings. Just a day prior to this incident, the UN Resident Coordinator spoke about the abductions of large numbers of women, girls, and boys by members of a non-state armed group in Borno state.
“UNICEF urges immediate action to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and staff and calls on authorities to implement comprehensive measures to secure schools across Nigeria. It is imperative that the safety and security of students and educators are guaranteed, allowing schools to fulfill their role as safe havens for learning and development.”
On the part of the organization, Munduate disclosed that UNICEF is collaborating with local authorities and offering aid to the parents and families impacted by the abduction. The assistance includes psychological support services aimed at helping them cope with the traumatic experience.
While conveying commiserating with the families of the school children and staff, Munduate underscores the fundamental right of every child to grow in a peaceful environment free from threats and insecurity.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the abducted students and staff, and we stand with them in this harrowing time. The right to education is fundamental and must be protected against any form of violence or intimidation. The children of Nigeria deserve to learn in peace.
“UNICEF is coordinating with local officials and providing assistance to the affected parents and families through psychological support services. The UN Children’s Agency is dedicated to collaborating with government entities, local communities, and various partners to tackle the fundamental issues leading to violence against children and to safeguard educational environments from threats and violence.
“Every child deserves to grow up in an environment of peace, away from the looming shadows of threats and insecurity. Unfortunately, we are currently facing a significant deterioration in community safety, with children disproportionately suffering the consequences of this decline in security,” she added.
