UNICEF Reacts Over Abductions of 280 Students in Kaduna School

The kidnapping of students in Kaduna State by militants has been denounced by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Terrorists opened fire on their targets during their Thursday raid on the Kuriga district in Kaduna State’s Chikun Local Government Area. They then abducted at least 280 pupils and instructors from Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School.

According to Cristian Munduate, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, the startling regularity of these kinds of instances around the nation indicates a crisis that calls for swift and decisive action from all governmental and social spheres.

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Munduate said, “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 fulfil their role as safe havens for learning and development.

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“Our hearts go out to the families of the abducted students and staff, and we stand with them in this harrowing time. The right to education is fundamental and must be protected against any form of violence or intimidation. The children of Nigeria deserve to learn in peace.

“UNICEF is coordinating with local officials and providing assistance to the affected parents and families through psychological support services. The UN Children’s Agency is dedicated to collaborating with government entities, local communities, and various partners to tackle the fundamental issues leading to violence against children and to safeguard educational environments from threats and violence.”

“Every child deserves to grow up in an environment of peace, away from the looming shadows of threats and insecurity. Unfortunately, we are currently facing a significant deterioration in community safety, with children disproportionately suffering the consequences of this decline in security,” she added.

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Unfortunately, kidnappings of students in Nigeria have been more common in recent years, especially in areas like the northeastern region that are impacted by violence and insecurity. Many of these kidnappings have been carried out by organisations like Boko Haram and its affiliate, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which frequently target schools in an effort to spread terror and impede instruction.

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