The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Federal Government to ensure the immediate release of the 25 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and to fully implement the 2015 Safe Schools Declaration following yet another school attack in the Northwest.
Naijaonpoint reports that the appeal came after gunmen stormed the Government Girls School in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, on Monday, killing the vice-principal and abducting students in an assault that has reignited concerns over rising attacks on educational institutions.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, November 18, by Communication Specialist for UNICEF Nigeria, Sussan Akila, the organisation condemned the incident in strong terms.
Akila said the agency was deeply alarmed by the attack.
“UNICEF strongly condemns the reported attack on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Kebbi State, which resulted in the death of the school’s Vice-Principal and the abduction of 25 students.
“This tragic incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely,” she said.
Akila expressed sympathy to the affected families and community, saying: “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 Calls for Swift Rescue
On the abduction, Akila insisted that the kidnapped students must be rescued without delay, saying: “UNICEF further urges the swift release of the abducted children.”
She emphasised the responsibility of authorities to safeguard learning environments under both national and international law.
“Students, education facilities, and their personnel should be protected under international law from any form of attack, and those responsible must be held to account,” the statement added.
Referencing Nigeria’s endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015, Akila reminded the government of its commitment to protect educational spaces during conflict.
“In 2015, the Nigerian government endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, which outlines concrete steps to safeguard the civilian nature of schools and universities to ensure safe access of students to education during conflict.”
She urged full implementation, warning that the safety of children must not be compromised.
‘No Child Should Be Put At Risk’
Akila said UNICEF continues to work with authorities and communities to create safer learning environments.
“These systems and environments must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies. No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education,” the noted.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Safe Schools Declaration is an inter-governmental political commitment designed to protect students, teachers, schools and universities from the worst impacts of armed conflict. It has been endorsed by 121 countries, according to the official SSD website, with Nigeria signing on in May 2015.
In April 2021, the House of Representatives resolved to investigate the alleged abandonment of the Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative, including the N500m allocated for rehabilitating Government Secondary School, Chibok, where Boko Haram kidnapped over 200 schoolgirls in 2014.
Months later, in October 2021, the then Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, stated that the initiative was “designed to fail,” highlighting longstanding concerns over the government’s implementation of safety measures in schools.
The Kebbi attack has once again brought these issues to the forefront as the country confronts persistent insecurity affecting children’s access to education.
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