UNICEF Appeals For Unconditional Release Of Abducted Niger Students

UNICEF has called for immediate and unconditional release of 150 students adducted from the Salihu Tanko Islamiya School in Tegina, Rafi Council  Area of Niger State, north-central Nigeria, about two weeks ago.

The UN Agency also expressed serious concern about the fate of the children – some of whom are as young as 3 years.

A statement issued in by Mr. Samuel Kaalu, it’s Communication Specialist said ” We are appalled that two weeks after 150 students were abducted from their school, they continue to be held by their abductors,” said Rushnan Murtaza, Officer in Charge, Representative UNICEF Nigeria.

“Parents are grieving their children’s ‘disappearance’; siblings are missing their brothers and sisters – these children must be immediately and unconditionally released and safely reunited with their families.”

“It is horrifying that schools and schoolchildren continue to be targets of attack – and in this particular incident, even children as young as 3 years old. We can only begin to imagine how frightened they are, and the impact this will have on their mental health and well-being.”

UNICEF stressed that attacks on students and schools are not only reprehensible but a gross violation of the right of children to an education. It is a right that any society can ill-afford to violate.

The organization therefore, called on the Nigerian Government to take all measures to protect schools in the country, and implement the promises made in  Financing Safe Schools in Nigeria Conference in April this year, so that children will not be fearful of going to school, and parents afraid of sending their children to school.

“Schools must be safe places to study and develop, and learning should not be a risky endeavor,” said Rushnan Murtaza.

“Thery are very few – if any – things more important for any society than ensuring the safe education of its children.”