The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reacted to the attack by bandits on the Government Girls Secondary School in the Maga community of Kebbi State on Monday, November 17.
In a statement issued by Sussan Akila, UNICEF Nigeria’s Communication Specialist, the international agency called for stronger protection for children following the tragic attack on the school.
Recall that some armed bandits had invaded the secondary school, killing the vice principal of the institution, Hassan.
In addition to this, 25 schoolgirls were also taken away by the bandits to an unknown location.
According to UNICEF Nigeria, the attack on the school is another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely.
Akila said, “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.
“UNICEF further urges the swift release of the abducted children. Students, education facilities, and their personnel should be protected under international law from any form of attack, and those responsible for this incident must be held to account in accordance with national and international standards,” Akila said.
Citing some of the initiatives taken to safeguard schools, Akila called for the implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration in Nigeria, which was endorsed by the Nigerian government in 2015.
The initiative was designed to outline concrete steps to safeguard the civilian nature of schools and universities to ensure safe access of students to education during conflict.
She said, “UNICEF is working with government partners, civil society and communities to strengthen child protection systems and promote safe and inclusive learning environments across the country. These systems and environments must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies.
“No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education,” Akila added.
