Following the spate of school children’s abduction, the Federal Government has been urged to provide safe, quality and uninterrupted education, free from security threats, in the country.
This is coming just as the world marked the International Day of the African Child.
This is contained in a statement by the Nigeria Country Director of the Save the Children International, Mercy Gichuhi, who appealed in Abuja, while reacting to the kidnap of over 80 college students and five teachers from the Federal Government College, Birnin-Yauri, in Kebbi State.
According to the statement, Gichuhi described the incident as “horrifying,” and a grave violation of children’s rights.
She thanked God for their unconditional release and a safe return to their families while regretting the death of one of the students.
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Gichuhi added that now, more than ever, the Nigerian government needs to ensure that children have access to safe, quality and uninterrupted education at all levels, as well as free from violence and fear.
The Nigeria Country Director of the international Non-governmental organization, stressed that this is the third assault by armed gangs on a school or college in Nigeria, in less than a month, reportedly, by bandits seeking ransom payments.
“Recurring attacks on schools in Northern Nigeria is a grave violation of child rights.
When will children stop being used as pawns in games played by adults?” she asked.
The group also expressed concern over Nigeria, being the first African country to have endorsed the Safe School Declaration, to host the proposed fourth international conference on safe schools in October, amidst the security challenges.
(Editor : Paul Akhagbemhe)
