Abduction of students in Kaduna unacceptable- UNICEF
Innocent Raphael
The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has condemned in strong terms the recent abduction of students by bandits in Kaduna State, enjoining iimmediate and determined action from all levels of government and society to curb further occurrences.
UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, in a statement on Friday, explained that UNICEF was in consonance with local officials and providing assistance to the affected parents and families through psychological support services.
On Thursday morning, bandits had invaded and abducted over 280 pupils and teachers of the Government Secondary School and LGEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State after they shot indiscriminately, causing rancour.
Munduate expressed sadness and concern about the reports of another abduction of students in Kaduna State, saying that 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 before 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,” she said.
UNICEF also urged immediate action to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and staff and called on authorities to implement comprehensive measures to secure schools across Nigeria.
Munduate further stated that it was imperative the safety and security of students and educators are guaranteed, thereby allowing schools to fulfil their role as safe havens for learning and development.
“The right to education is fundamental and must be protected against any form of violence or intimidation. The children of Nigeria deserve to learn in peace,” she declared.
She revealed that the UN Children’s Agency was dedicated to collaborating with government entities, local communities and various partners to tackle the fundamental issues leading to violence against children and to safeguard educational environments from threats and violence.
