AFRIQUECAN: The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the recent attack on schools in Kaduna State.
Over 200 students were kidnapped from both a secondary and primary school in Chukun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday.
UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate, in a statement on Friday,
rued the attack, saying that Nigerian children deserve to learn in a peaceful environment.
Munduate said that schools are supposed to be sanctuaries of learning and growth, not be places of fear and violence.
“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,’’ part of the statement by the UNICEF country representative said.
“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 fulfil their role as safe havens for learning and development.
“Our hearts go out to the families of the abducted students and staff, and we stand with them in this harrowing time. 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.”
