UNICEF on Tuesday urged the Nigerian government to ensure the immediate release of the 25 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and to fully implement the 2015 Safe Schools Declaration following the latest school attack that left a vice-principal dead.
The call followed Monday’s assault on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, where gunmen killed the vice-principal and abducted the students, prompting renewed concern over persistent attacks on schools in the Northwest.
In a statement issued by the Communication Specialist for UNICEF Nigeria, Sussan Akila, the agency condemned the incident.
Akila said: “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.
Akila also stressed the obligation to safeguard learning spaces.
“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 in accordance with national and international standards,” she said.
Referencing Nigeria’s 2015 commitment, she stated, “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.
Akila said UNICEF was working with authorities and communities to improve child safety and promote secure 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 statement added.
