UNICEF Condemns abduction of school children in Kastina, Demands for Immediate release

Victoria Ogunrinde

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the abduction of school children in Kastina, thus demands that the children be release and returned to the their families.

Regional Director for West and Central Africa, UNICEF, Marie-Pierre Poirier in a press statement on Monday said UNICEF condemns in the strongest possible terms this brutal attack and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all children and their return to their families.”

Recalled that on Friday evening, armed men attacked the Government Science Secondary School in Kankara, Katsina State, northwest Nigeria. According to unconfirmed reports, hundreds of students are still unaccounted for.

UNICEF however expressed deep concern about these acts of violence noting that attacks on schools are a violation of children’s rights.

“This is a grim reminder that abductions of children and widespread grave violations of children’s rights continue to take place in northern Nigeria,” Marie-Pierre said.

“Children should feel safe at home, in schools and in their playgrounds at all times. We stand with the families of the missing children and the community affected by this horrifying event.”

“We acknowledge the efforts by the Government of Nigeria in undertaking all efforts for the safe return of the missing children,” she added.