The United Nations Children’s Fund, originally known as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has strongly condemned the reported attack on a government girls’ school in the Maga community of Kebbi State, in north-western Nigeria.
The attack resulted in the death of the school’s vice-principal and the reported abduction of 25 students.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, UNICEF Communication and Advocacy Specialist Susan Akila described the tragic incident as a stark reminder of the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children, schools, and the personnel who support safe learning.
“We stand with the affected community at this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences go to those who have lost their loved ones, and we wish a full recovery for those injured,” she said.
UNICEF has further called for the swift release of the abducted children.
“Students, education facilities, and their personnel should be protected under international law from any form of attack, and those responsible for this incident must be held to account in accordance with national and international standards,” she added.
Akila noted that in 2015, the Nigerian government endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, which outlines concrete measures to safeguard the civilian nature of schools and universities, ensuring students can access education safely during conflict.
“UNICEF calls on all relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts to implement the Safe Schools Declaration in Nigeria,” she said.
She reaffirmed that UNICEF continues to work with government partners, civil society, and local communities to strengthen child protection systems and promote safe and inclusive learning environments across the country.
“These systems and environments must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies. No child should ever be put at risk while pursuing an education,” she stressed.
Olusola Akintonde