UNICEF has strongly criticized the recent kidnapping of students in Kaduna State, Nigeria, highlighting the worrying frequency of such incidents in the country.
Bandits abducted over 280 pupils and teachers from Government Secondary School and LGEA primary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State.
Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, expressed deep sadness and concern, stressing the urgent need for decisive action from all levels of government and society to tackle the crisis.
Munduate called on authorities to implement comprehensive measures to secure schools nationwide and ensure the safety of students and teachers.
Her words: “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.
“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 fulfill their role as safe havens for learning and development.”
