UNICEF reveals numbers of students abducted in Nigeria since 2020

August 28, 2021
45 Views

Spread the love

The United Nations Education Funds (UNICEF) says at least 1000 students have been abducted by bandits in Nigeria since December 2020, with about 200 others still in captivity.

In a statement signed by its Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, the agency described the children’s abduction in school as a gross violation of their fundamental rights.

UNICEF, however, expressed happiness at Friday’s release of 91 students of Salihu Tanko Islamiya School Tegina, Niger State.

The statement read: “Children who went in search of knowledge were abducted at their school – which is supposed to be a safe place for them – while exercising their fundamental right to an education.

READ ALSOUNICEF rolls out community infant, child feeding programme in Kaduna

“They spent 88 days in the hands of their abductors before being freed yesterday. It is a tragedy and utterly unacceptable that one of these children died in captivity.

“We rejoice with the families whose children have been freed – and express our deepest condolences to little Hayatu’s family, who have just suffered the worst loss on top of the tragedy they have gone through for the last 88 days.

“No family should lose a child just because it took the right decision to send that child to school. Schools should not be a target. Children should not be a target. Education is a fundamental right of every child and any attack on an educational institution is a violation of that right.

“We reiterate our call to authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure schools are safe for all children.”

UNICEF said it would work with partners to provide mental health, psychosocial support and counselling services to both the freed learners and their parents.

“The release of the Tegina students comes in the run-up to the International Day to Protect Education from Attack slated for September 9.”

You may be interested

National Convention: Peter Obi, Gov Otti’s Camps Fight Dirty Over Who Is The Leader Of LP
News
4 views
News
4 views

National Convention: Peter Obi, Gov Otti’s Camps Fight Dirty Over Who Is The Leader Of LP

Webby - March 25, 2024

A power struggle between Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi is exacerbating…

2027: LP Reacts After Report Emerged That Peter Obi Decided To Dump Party, Join Another
News
1 views
News
1 views

2027: LP Reacts After Report Emerged That Peter Obi Decided To Dump Party, Join Another

Webby - March 25, 2024

The Labour Party, LP, has finally reacted after reports circulated that its 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, decided to leave…

LP Crisis Worsens As Peter Obi, Obidients Dump Abure As Party Chairman, Favourite Replacement Revealed
News
1 views
News
1 views

LP Crisis Worsens As Peter Obi, Obidients Dump Abure As Party Chairman, Favourite Replacement Revealed

Webby - March 25, 2024

The crisis within the Labour Party, LP, escalated significantly last week, as members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, staged…

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.