LEA School Abduction: UNICEF Condemns The Kidnapping Of Kaduna Students

“Nigerian children deserve to learn in peace...”

The recent attack on schools in Kaduna State has been denounced by UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund.

According to Channels Television, on Thursday, approximately 200 pupils from a primary and secondary school in Chukun Local Government Area, Kaduna State, were abducted by bandits.

A few hours following the event, Christian Munduate, the UNICEF representative in Nigeria, expressed regret for the attack and stated that children in Nigeria ought to receive an education in a tranquil setting.

According to the UNICEF country representative, schools should be havens of learning and development rather than havens of violence and terror.

“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,” he said in a Friday statement.

“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.

Read: Bandits Invade Kaduna School, Shoot Pupil, Abduct Scholars — Reports

“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.

“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.”