UNICEF Warning follows the abduction of 25 Kebbi schoolgirls, urging their release and full implementation of Nigeria’s Safe Schools Declaration

According to UNICEF on Tuesday, an UNICEF Warning has been issued to the Nigerian government calling for the immediate release of the twenty-five schoolgirls abducted during a deadly attack on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Kebbi State.

Also read: UNICEF BIRD-Lab Nigeria launches to boost child survival

he assault, carried out on Monday, left the school’s vice-principal dead and reopened deep concern over the relentless pattern of school attacks that continue to unsettle the Northwest.

Local residents described the incident as terrifying, with families unsure of the fate of their children as gunmen fled with the abducted students.

In a statement released by Sussan Akila, Communication Specialist for UNICEF Nigeria, the agency condemned the brutal attack.

Akila said UNICEF strongly condemns the reported assault, noting that the killing of the vice-principal and the abduction of the students represent yet another heartbreaking reminder of the urgent need to protect schools and the children who rely on them.

She expressed sympathy for the affected families and said UNICEF stands with the community at this painful moment.

She added that the agency wishes full recovery for those injured and urged the swift release of the abducted girls without delay.

Akila emphasised that schools must remain safe learning spaces, protected under international law.

She stressed that students, school facilities and personnel should never be targeted and that those responsible must be held accountable in line with national and international standards.

Referring to Nigeria’s earlier commitment, Akila highlighted that the government endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015.

The declaration sets out clear steps to ensure that schools retain their civilian status and that students can continue learning even during conflict situations. She urged the government to fully implement all provisions.

UNICEF confirmed it is working with authorities and community groups to strengthen child protection systems and build more secure learning environments.

Akila said these systems must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies, adding that no child should face danger simply for seeking an education.

The Safe Schools Declaration is an inter-governmental agreement designed to shield students, teachers and educational institutions from the worst consequences of armed conflict.

It has been endorsed by one hundred and twenty-one countries, with Nigeria joining in May 2015.

Nigeria’s Safe School Initiative has faced repeated scrutiny. In April 2021 the House of Representatives resolved to investigate claims of abandonment, including concerns surrounding the allocation designated for rebuilding Government Secondary School Chibok, where more than two hundred girls were abducted in 2014.

Months later, the Senate leadership warned that the initiative had been designed to fail, raising further doubts about implementation.