The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, on Wednesday condemned the recent abduction of 25 students in Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria. The attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, GGCSS, Maga, was described as “deeply troubling” with UNICEF urging urgent measures to protect students.
UNICEF emphasized that “no child should be put at risk while pursuing an education,” and insisted that “classrooms must remain places of safety, not fear.”
During a daily briefing in New York, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq called for the swift release of all abducted students and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
UNICEF expressed solidarity with the affected community and wished a full recovery to those injured.
The agency reiterated that students, teachers, and educational facilities must be safeguarded from all forms of violence under international humanitarian and human rights law, calling for accountability for the perpetrators.
In 2015, Nigeria endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, committing to protect the civilian character of educational facilities and ensure safe access to learning during conflict. Launched at the First International Conference on Safe Schools in Oslo, Norway, the Declaration aims to reduce attacks on schools and safeguard learning environments globally.
UNICEF stated it continues to collaborate with government partners, civil society, and communities to strengthen child protection systems and promote safe, inclusive learning spaces across the country, noting that stronger safeguards could prevent future tragedies.
The UN body further highlighted that attacks on schools remain a significant barrier to education. According to a UNICEF report marking 10 years since the Chibok kidnappings, only 37% of schools across 10 states have early warning systems to detect threats, including violence and armed attacks.
The report also revealed disparities across six key areas of school safety: governance, violence prevention, natural hazards, conflict, everyday risks, and safe infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need to ensure that all Nigerian children can learn without fear.
