ABUJA – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has issued a forceful call for the Nigerian government to intensify the protection of children and educational facilities, following a recent deadly attack and mass abduction at a girls’ school in Kebbi State.
In a statement released from its Abuja office, the UN agency condemned the assault on a Government Girls School in the Maga community, which resulted in the death of the school’s Vice-Principal and the reported kidnapping of 25 students. The incident is the latest in a series of attacks targeting schools in northern Nigeria.
UNICEF emphasized that authorities have a legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of students and educational personnel, urging them to fully implement the international Safe Schools Declaration, which Nigeria endorsed in 2015.
“The tragic incident in Kebbi is another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely,” the statement read.
The declaration outlines concrete measures for safeguarding the civilian nature of schools and universities during periods of conflict, aiming to ensure students’ safe access to education. UNICEF called on “all relevant stakeholders” to redouble efforts to translate this commitment into action, citing the “porous learning environment” in many Nigerian schools that leaves children vulnerable to attack and abduction.
The agency’s Communication Specialist, Susan Akila, stated that those responsible for attacks on children must be held accountable in accordance with both national and international legal standards.
“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,” the statement expressed, while also demanding the swift and unconditional release of the abducted girls.
Emphasizing the fundamental right to education, UNICEF asserted, “No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education.”
The agency confirmed it is collaborating with government partners, civil society, and local communities to strengthen child protection systems and promote safe, inclusive learning environments across Nigeria. “These systems and environments must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies,” the statement concluded.
