The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) have lamented the increase in the rate at which children and students are being kidnapped in Nigeria, News About Nigeria reports.
The representative of the Children Fund in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, disclosed this in a statement, condemning the abduction of students by bandits in Kaduna State.
Recall that over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State were abducted by bandits.
According to report, the bandits invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away at least 280 of the pupils and teachers from both schools.
UNICEF however, noted that the alarming frequency of such incidents across the country was an indicator of a crisis and required immediate and determined action from all.
It stated that it is coordinating with local officials and providing assistance to the affected parents and families through psychological support services.
“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.
“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,” the statement reads in part.
Munduate further noted that the right to education is fundamental and must be protected against any form of violence or intimidation.
