The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has demanded the immediate rescue of the 25 schoolgirls abducted during Monday’s deadly attack on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Danko-Wasagu LGA, Kebbi State.
Gunmen stormed the school at dawn, killing the vice-principal and whisking away the students—an assault that has intensified concerns over the rising wave of violence targeting schools in Northern Nigeria.
In a statement issued Tuesday by Sussan Akila, UNICEF Nigeria’s Communication Specialist, the organisation condemned the attack and described it as a painful reminder of the urgent need to strengthen safety around educational institutions.
“UNICEF strongly condemns the reported attack, which led to the death of the Vice-Principal and the abduction of 25 students,” Akila said. “This tragic event highlights the critical need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they depend on for safe learning.”
Expressing solidarity with the affected families, she added:
“We stand with the grieving community, extend our heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones, and wish the injured a full and speedy recovery.”
UNICEF also pressed for swift action, urging authorities to prioritise the safe return of the abducted children.
Akila emphasised that schools and their personnel are protected under international law and insisted that those responsible for such attacks must be held accountable.
She reminded the government of its commitment to the 2015 Safe Schools Declaration—a global agreement outlining steps to safeguard learning spaces during conflict.
UNICEF, she noted, continues to work with government bodies, civil society, and communities to strengthen child protection systems and create safer learning environments.
“These structures must be reinforced to prevent further tragedies. No child should face danger in pursuit of an education,” the statement concluded.
The Safe Schools Declaration, endorsed by 121 countries—including Nigeria—serves as a global pledge to shield students, educators, and educational institutions from the impacts of armed conflict.
Despite this, lawmakers have repeatedly raised concerns about stalled implementation, including the fate of funds allocated to secure schools following major abductions such as the 2014 Chibok incident.
