UNICEF Decries Attack On Kebbi Girls’ School, Calls For Swift Rescue Of 25 Students

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The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Federal Government to ensure the immediate release of the 25 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State and to fully enforce the 2015 Safe Schools Declaration following yet another violent attack on an educational institution in the Northwest.

Naija News reports that gunmen invaded the Government Girls School in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, on Monday, killing the vice-principal and abducting several students. The incident has renewed alarm over the deteriorating security situation in schools across the region.

In a statement issued Tuesday, November 18, UNICEF Nigeria’s Communication Specialist, Sussan Akila, condemned the attack and expressed deep concern over the rising pattern of assaults on learning centres.

“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 said.

“This tragic incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely.”

She offered condolences to bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery.

UNICEF Calls for Swift Action

Akila stressed that the abducted schoolgirls must be rescued without delay.

“UNICEF further urges the swift release of the abducted children,” she stated, adding that educational facilities and personnel are protected under international law and must never be targets of violence.

Referencing Nigeria’s endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015, she reminded authorities of the country’s obligation to safeguard schools and ensure that learning continues unhindered even during conflict.

“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 said.

She urged the government to fully implement the framework, insisting that the safety of children “must never be compromised.”

‘No Child Should Be Put At Risk’

Akila noted that UNICEF continues to work with government and community stakeholders to strengthen safety measures around schools.

“These systems and environments must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies. No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education,” she added.

The Safe Schools Declaration, endorsed by 121 countries, seeks to protect students, teachers, and educational institutions from the worst impacts of armed conflict. Nigeria signed on in May 2015.

Previous reports have highlighted gaps in implementation. In April 2021, the House of Representatives resolved to investigate concerns surrounding the abandoned Safe Schools Initiative, including N500 million budgeted for rehabilitating Government Secondary School, Chibok. Months later, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan described the initiative as one “designed to fail.”

The latest attack in Kebbi has again brought these unresolved issues to the forefront as insecurity continues to endanger children and disrupt education nationwide.