In response to the recent abduction of students in Kaduna State, Cristian Munduate, the UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, issued a statement today expressing profound sadness and concern.
The statement highlighted the alarming frequency of such incidents nationwide, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action from all levels of government and society.
The kidnapping was strongly condemned by Munduate, who also described it as a part of a worrying pattern of attacks on Nigerian educational institutions, especially in the northwest where armed groups have stepped up their campaign of murder and kidnappings.
The statement draws attention to the recent abductions in Borno state, emphasizing the pervasive threat faced by women, girls, and boys.
She called for immediate action to ensure the safe return of the abducted children and staff, urging authorities to implement comprehensive measures to secure schools across Nigeria.
The agency stressed the importance of guaranteeing students’ and educators’ safety and security to preserve schools as sanctuaries for learning and development.
The statement expresses solidarity with the families of the abducted students and staff, acknowledging the harrowing time they are experiencing.
UNICEF reaffirmed the fundamental right to education and the need to protect it against any form of violence or intimidation, asserting that the children of Nigeria deserve to learn in peace.
”UNICEF is actively coordinating with local officials and assisting affected parents and families through psychological support services,” she said.
The agency reiterated its commitment to collaborating with government entities, local communities, and various partners to address the underlying issues leading to violence against children and to safeguard educational environments from threats and violence.
The statement concluded by emphasizing the urgent need to counter the significant deterioration in community safety, focusing on protecting children disproportionately affected by the prevailing insecurity in the country.