UN says frequency of abductions alarming in Nigerian schools

The kidnapping of students in the nation has been characterised by the United Nations Children's Fund as concerning, indicating a crisis that calls for swift and resolute action from all parties.

Additionally, it denounced the recent kidnapping of more than 280 educators and children in Kaduna State by armed groups.

According to UNICEF, psychological support services will be provided to the impacted parents and families in coordination with local authorities.

In Kuriga, Kaduna State, bandits kidnapped about 280 students and faculty members from Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School.

It is stated that on Thursday, the bandits broke into the Kuriga region of the Chikun Local Government region in Kaduna State. They opened fire on their victims and then abducted at least 280 students and staff from the two schools.
The worryingly high number of these instances nationwide indicates a crisis that calls for swift and decisive response from all governmental and social levels, according to a statement released by UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate.

"I am greatly saddened and concerned by the reports of yet another abduction of students in Kaduna State," stated Munduate. Such occurrences are becoming alarmingly common across the nation, signalling a crisis that calls for swift and decisive action from all governmental and social levels. Schools are not meant to be places of violence and terror, but rather havens of learning and development.

In Nigeria, there has been a concerning pattern of attacks on educational facilities, especially in the northwest where armed groups are present. This most recent kidnapping, like all the others, is deeply regrettable.
This most recent kidnapping, like all the others, is completely unacceptable and is a part of a concerning pattern of attacks on Nigerian educational institutions, especially in the northwest where armed groups have stepped up their campaign of murder and kidnappings. Just one day before, the UN Resident Coordinator reported on the widespread kidnappings of girls, women, and boys in Borno state by members of an armed non-state organisation.

UNICEF requests that authorities take extensive steps to secure schools throughout Nigeria and that they act quickly to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and personnel. To enable schools to play the role of safe havens for learning and growth, it is essential that the safety and security of teachers and children be ensured.
She declared that the fundamental right to education must be shielded from intimidation and violence of any kind.

"During this terrifying time, we stand with the families of the abducted students and staff. Our hearts are with them." Fundamental rights to education must be safeguarded from intimidation and violence of any kind. Nigerian youngsters ought to have a peaceful education.

In addition to working with regional authorities, UNICEF is offering psychological support services to the impacted parents and families. In order to address the underlying causes of violence against children and to protect school environments from threats and violence, the UN Children's Agency is committed to working in partnership with governmental organisations, local communities, and other partners.

“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.