UNICEF Urges Action as Attacks on Nigerian Schools Reach Alarming Levels

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported a significant increase in attacks and abductions targeting Nigerian schoolchildren since the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping in Borno State a decade ago. 

According to a report released on Monday, only 37% of schools in 10 states have early warning systems to detect such threats.

The report, titled ‘Minimum Standards for Safe Schools (MSSS) Monitoring Report,’ presented by UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Education, Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, highlighted the concerning rise in conflict-related violence affecting children.

Over the past ten years, more than 1,680 children have been abducted, 180 killed in school attacks, and 60 school staff kidnapped, with 14 killed. however, there have been over 70 attacks on schools, the report noted.

It emphasized that 90 abducted schoolgirls remain in captivity, with another abduction occurring in Kaduna State in March. UNICEF urged authorities to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable children and enhance safety standards in schools.

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of the crisis, highlighting education as a fundamental right crucial for children’s futures and poverty alleviation.

The report analyzed six key areas, including school systems, violence against children, natural hazards, conflicts, everyday hazards, and safe school infrastructure.