The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the recent abduction of students in Kaduna State, Nigeria, calling attention to the alarming frequency of such incidents across the country.
Over 280 pupils and teachers were abducted by bandits from Government Secondary School and LEA primary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, expressed deep sadness and concern, emphasizing the need for immediate and determined action from all levels of government and society to address the crisis.
Munduate urged authorities to implement comprehensive measures to secure schools across Nigeria and ensure the safety of students and educators.
Her words: “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.”
