The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the recent abduction of students of Government Secondary School Kuriga, in Chikun LGA, Kaduna state.
Vanguard reported that more than 200 students and pupils were kidnapped by bandits who attacked the school on Thursday morning.
Reacting to the incident, in a statement on Friday, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate, said schools are learning and growth sanctuaries and should not be turned sites of fear and violence.
She expressed concern over the recent abduction of over 200 women, boys and children from an IDP camp in Ngala area of Borno state.
“I am deeply saddened and concerned by the reports of yet another abduction of students in Kaduna state,” she said.
“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 north-west, 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.