School Attack: UNICEF Seeks Stronger Protection for Children
By: Ahmed Rufai
The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the deadly attack on a Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School Maga, Kebbi State, calling for stronger protection measures for children, schools, and education personnel across Nigeria.
In a statement issued to The Syndicate by Sussan Akila, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Nigeria, the agency described the incident— which led to the killing of the school’s vice-principal and the reported abduction of 25 students— as “deeply tragic” and unacceptable.
“UNICEF strongly condemns the reported attack on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Kebbi State in Northwest Nigeria, which resulted in the death of the school’s vice-principal and the reported abduction of 25 students,” the statement said.
UNICEF urged the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students while stressing the urgent need to reinforce the protection of learning environments.
“This tragic incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely,” Akila noted. “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.”
The agency emphasized that students, schools, and education workers are protected under international law and insisted that perpetrators of such attacks must be held accountable.
Akila recalled that Nigeria endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015— an international commitment outlining steps to preserve the civilian nature of schools and ensure safe access to education even in conflict situations.
According to UNICEF, the organisation continues to work with government partners, civil society, and communities to strengthen child protection systems and promote safe and inclusive learning environments nationwide.
“These systems and environments must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies,” the statement added.
UNICEF further called on all stakeholders to intensify efforts toward full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, stressing that “No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education.”
