The recent abduction of over two hundred students by bandits in Kaduna State has drawn strong condemnation from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The assailants attacked the Government Secondary School and LEA primary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State, taking away no fewer than 280 students, pupils, and teachers.
Expressing regret over the incident, UNICEF emphasized the urgent need for immediate and resolute action in response to the increasing frequency of such incidents nationwide. The organization is actively collaborating with local authorities to provide support to affected families and parents through psychological assistance services.
In a statement, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, expressed deep sadness and concern over the abduction, describing schools as sanctuaries of learning and growth, not sites of fear and violence. She highlighted the worrying trend of attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria, particularly in the northwest, where armed groups have intensified their campaign of violence and kidnappings.
“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,”
Munduate concluded by stressing the importance of creating an environment of peace for children to grow up in, away from the looming shadows of threats and insecurity. She highlighted the significant deterioration in community safety, with children disproportionately suffering the consequences of this decline in security.
