The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of students by bandits in Kaduna State, labeling it as part of a concerning trend of attacks on educational institutions across Nigeria.
Over 280 pupils and teachers were reportedly taken from Government Secondary School and LEA primary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State.
In a statement issued by UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, the organization expressed deep concern over the frequency of such incidents, emphasizing the urgent need for action at all levels of government and society.
Munduate described schools as supposed sanctuaries of learning and growth, decrying the transformation of these spaces into sites of fear and violence.
UNICEF urged immediate measures to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and staff, calling on authorities to implement comprehensive strategies to secure schools nationwide. The statement emphasized the fundamental right to education and the necessity of protecting it against all forms of violence and intimidation.
Acknowledging the harrowing experience of the affected families, UNICEF pledged to provide assistance through psychological support services and collaborate with government entities, local communities, and partners to address the underlying issues contributing to violence against children and safeguard educational environments.
The statement concluded with a poignant reminder that every child deserves to learn in peace, away from the looming shadows of threats and insecurity, emphasizing the urgent need to address the deterioration in community safety that disproportionately affects children.
