The United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF has strongly criticized the recent assaults on schools in Kaduna State, where bandits abducted over 200 students from both secondary and primary institutions in the Chukun Local Government Area.
Christian Munduate, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, expressed profound dismay over the attack, emphasizing that Nigerian children deserve an educational environment free from violence.
Munduate emphasized the significance of schools as safe spaces for learning and growth, denouncing the recurrent incidents of violence targeting educational institutions nationwide. He underscored the urgent need for decisive action from governmental and societal levels to address the escalating crisis.
The statement highlighted the worrying trend of attacks on schools in Nigeria, particularly in the northwest, where armed groups have intensified violence and kidnappings. UNICEF urged immediate measures to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and staff, stressing the importance of comprehensive security measures to protect schools across the country.
The agency extended solidarity to the families affected by the abductions and reiterated the fundamental right to education, emphasizing the need to safeguard children from violence and intimidation. UNICEF pledged to collaborate with local authorities and provide assistance to affected families, including psychological support services.
In conclusion, UNICEF emphasized the importance of creating peaceful environments for children to thrive, highlighting the disproportionate impact of security threats on their well-being. The agency reiterated its commitment to addressing the root causes of violence against children and ensuring the safety of educational environments in collaboration with stakeholders and partners.
