UNICEF demands release of 150 abducted Niger Islamiyya students

The United Nations International Children Educational Fund (UNICEF) on Monday demanded the immediate and unconditional release of 150 abducted students of Salihu Tanko Islamiya School in Tegina, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

Armed bandits had on May 30 abducted the children from the school.

They, however, released 11 children 24 hours later.

The Deputy Country Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, Rushnan Murtaza, made the appeal in a statement in Abuja.

The body stressed that attacks on students and schools are not only reprehensible but a gross violation of the right of children to education.

The statement read: “We are appalled that two weeks after 150 students were abducted from their school, they continue to be held by their abductors.

“Parents are grieving their children’s ‘disappearance’; siblings are missing their brothers and sisters – these children must be immediately and unconditionally released and safely reunited with their families.

READ ALSO: Reps task Nigerian govt to rescue abducted Niger Islamiyya pupils

“It is horrifying that schools and schoolchildren continue to be targets of attack – and in this particular incident, even children as young as three years old. We can only begin to imagine how frightened they are, and the impact this will have on their mental health and well-being.”

“We call on the Nigerian government to take all measures to protect schools in the country, and implement the promises made in the Financing Safe Schools in Nigeria Conference in April this year, so that children will not be fearful of going to school, and parents afraid of sending their children to school.

“Schools must be safe places to study and develop, and learning should not be a risky endeavour. There are very few – if any – things more important for any society than ensuring the safe education of its children.”

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