UNICEF Condemns Kidnapping Of Over 280 Students From Kaduna School

UNICEF Condemns Kidnapping Of Over 280 Students From Kaduna School

The recent abduction of more than two hundred students by bandits in Kaduna State has drawn strong condemnation from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)…..READ ALSO UNICEF Highlights Role Of Education In Eradicating Female Genital Mutilation

Naija News earlier reported that bandits attacked the Government Secondary School and LEA primary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State, and abducted at least 280 students, pupils, and teachers.

The assailants reportedly fired at their victims before taking away the students and educators from both schools.

UNICEF has expressed regret over the latest incident and emphasized the urgent need for immediate and resolute action in response to the increasing frequency of such incidents nationwide.

The organization stated that it is actively collaborating with local authorities to provide support to affected families and parents through psychological assistance services.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, said in a statement that 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.

Munduate condemned the abduction, describing it as 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.

UNICEF 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. The organization emphasized that the safety and security of students and educators must be guaranteed to allow schools to fulfill their role as safe havens for learning and development.

Munduate emphasized that the right to education is fundamental and must be protected against any form of violence or intimidation. UNICEF expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted students and staff, stating that every child deserves to learn in peace.

The organization reiterated its commitment 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.

UNICEF concluded by stating that every child deserves to grow up in an environment of peace, free from the looming shadows of threats and insecurity, and emphasized the need to address the significant deterioration in community safety, with children disproportionately suffering the consequences.