The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Friday condemned the abduction of about 300 schoolgirls in an overnight attack on Government Girls Secondary in Jangebe, Talata in the Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, North-West Nigeria.
According to UNICEF: “We are angered and saddened and by yet another brutal attack on schoolchildren in Nigeria.”
Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria issued a statement on behalf of the international Fund.
“This is a gross violation of children’s rights and a horrific experience for children to go through – one which could have long-lasting effects on their mental health and well-being.
“We utterly condemn the attack and call on those responsible to release the girls immediately and for the government to take steps to ensure their safe release and the safety of all other schoolchildren in Nigeria.
“Children should feel safe at home and at school at all times – and parents should not need to worry for the safety of their children when they send them off to school in the morning,” Hawkins stated.
The statement added: “UNICEF acknowledges efforts being made by the Government of Nigeria to secure the release of kidnapped schoolchildren in Nigeria and calls on the government and all concerned to make schools safe in Nigeria.”
The school attack on Zamfara came on the heels of a similar attack, about two weeks ago, in Government Science College, Kagara in Rafi Local Governmet Area of Niger State where no fewer that 27 schoolboys were abducted.
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