Nigeria Schools: Sanctuaries Not Targets – UN Chief
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Nigeria: UNICEF and UNESCO Condemn Mass School Abduction, Demand Release of Students and Teachers
UNICEF stated this week it is continuing to work closely with government partners, civil society, and communities to strengthen child protection systems, aligning with the principle that no child should be at risk while pursuing an education. This commitment comes amidst a surge in school abductions in Nigeria.
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Institution (UNESCO) office in Nigeria also condemned Friday’s latest mass abduction, emphasizing that schools must never be targets. UNESCO released a statement on November 17,2023,calling for the immediate release of all abducted children.
“We stand with the victims, their families, and the government of Nigeria and call for the immediate release of all abducted children,” the agency saeid.
Mass Abduction in Niger State
Initial reports indicated the kidnapping of 215 pupils from St.Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger state, on Friday morning. However, the figure was later revised upwards to 303 students and 12 teachers, according to the christian association of nigeria (CAN).
The Chairman of CAN, who visited the school on Friday, reported that over 80 students were captured while attempting to escape during the abduction carried out by armed assailants. The victims included both male and female students aged 10 to 18.
This incident marks the second mass abduction this week in Nigeria, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of school kidnappings. On November 12, 2023, approximately 20 students were abducted in Zamfara state.
Background: School Abductions in Nigeria
Nigeria has experienced a series of large-scale school abductions in recent years, most notably the 2014 kidnapping of 276 girls from Chibok, Borno state, by Boko Haram. These incidents have highlighted the vulnerability of schools in certain regions of the country and the challenges faced by the government in ensuring the safety of students.
The motives behind these abductions are varied, ranging from ransom demands to political objectives. Armed groups often target schools in remote areas with limited security presence.
| Year | Location | Number Abducted | Group responsible (Reported) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Chibok, borno state | 276 | Boko Haram |
| 2021 | Kagara, Niger State | 27 | Armed Bandits |
| 2021 | Jangebe, Zamfara State | 317 | Armed Bandits |
| 2023 (Nov) | Papiri, Niger State | 315 (Students & Teachers) | Unknown |