By, Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF has condemned the attack on the Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, Northwest Nigeria , by a terror group where hundreds of children were reported missing.
The UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa , Marie-Pierre Poirier, in a statement, called for the immediate safe release of the children to their families.
According to Poirier “attacks on schools are a violation of children’s rights. This is a grim reminder that abductions of children and widespread grave violations of children’s rights continue to take place in northern Nigeria.”
She also said school children should feel safe everywhere at home, school and their playgrounds at all times.
UNICEF in the statement acknowledged the Nigerian government’s efforts in ensuring the safe return of the missing children.
Recalled that some armed men on Friday night invaded Government Science Secondary School in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and kidnapped dozens of students.
The Governor of Katsina State , Aminu Masari, disclosed on Sunday night that a total of 333 schoolboys were yet to be recovered .
He called on affected parents to present themselves , if their children were yet to returned home since Friday.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Spoke person, Garba Sheu had on Sunday announced that the Nigerian troops have launched ground and air operations in search of the terror group and the missing schoolboys would be recovered safe.
Confidence Okwuchi
