UNICEF calls for immediate release of abducted school girls in north-eastern Nigeria

16 April 2014 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has strongly condemned the reported abduction of some 100 school girls between 12 and 17 years old from their school hostel in north-eastern Nigeria yesterday, and called for their immediate and unconditional release.

“UNICEF is deeply concerned about the persistent trend of attacks on schools in Nigeria,” Manuel Fontaine, the agency’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, said today in a statement following the girls’ abduction in Chibok in Borno state on Monday night.

Most recently, unidentified gunmen killed 53 children between 13 and 17 years old at the Federal Government College, Buni Yadi, Yobe state, in February.

“Such brutal acts of violence are unacceptable,” said Mr. Fontaine. “Attacks on schools deny children their right to learn in a safe environment and can rob them of their future. Wherever it takes place, abduction of children is a crime and illegal under international law.”

Monday night’s attack on the Chibok school took place hours after over 70 people were killed in a bomb attack at a bus station in the Nyanyan neighbourhood, close to the capital, Abuja.

“UNICEF expresses its deepest solidarity to all the communities affected by these horrific acts, and stands with the families of the abducted children in these difficult times. The agency calls for greater efforts to protect all children throughout Nigeria.”

The agency added that the Nigerian Government should urgently take steps to make sure that the children are returned to their families unharmed and that they can continue their education in a safe environment.

North-eastern Nigeria has been prone to attacks by Islamic militants who have in the past targeted civilians, including students and worshippers, politicians, members of Government institutions and foreign nationals.

Source: UN News Centre – Africa