‘Students In Nigeria Deserve To Learn In Peace’- UNICEF Condemns Attack Of Schools In Kaduna

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the attack and abduction of over 200 students in Kaduna State.

THE WHISTLER reports that armed men stormed the Local Government Education Authority Primary and Secondary School (LGEA) in Kuriga village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, kidnapping over 200 pupils including a teacher.

A statement by UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate on Friday, said that 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.

“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,” she said.

Munduate urged for immediate action to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and staff and called on the government 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.

“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,” she said.

She noted that 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,” Munduate said.

Armed Men Storm Kaduna School, Abduct Over 200 Pupils, Teacher