As Nigeria marks two weeks since the abduction of 150 students from the Salihu Tanko Islamiya School in Tegina, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, North-Central Nigeria, UNICEF has expressed deep concern about the fate of the children.
UNICEF Nigeria communication specialist Samuel Kaalu, in a statement, said it is more worried that some of the abducted students are as young as 3, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.
UNICEF said it is appalled that two weeks after 150 students were abducted from their school, they continue to be held by their abductors.
UNICEF stressed that attacks on students and schools are not only reprehensible but a gross violation of the right of children to education.
The organization called 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.
It added that Schools must be safe places to study and develop, and learning should not be a risky endeavour.
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
