UNICEF on Tuesday appealed to the Nigerian government to secure the prompt release of the 25 schoolgirls seized in Kebbi State and to fully enforce the 2015 Safe Schools Declaration after the latest school attack that claimed the life of a vice-principal.

The appeal came after Monday’s raid on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, where armed men fatally shot the vice-principal and abducted the students, heightening fresh concerns over ongoing assaults on schools in the Northwest.

In a statement issued by the Communication Specialist for UNICEF Nigeria, Sussan Akila, the agency condemned the incident.

Akila stated that: “UNICEF strongly condemns the reported attack on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Kebbi State, which resulted in the death of the school’s Vice-Principal and the abduction of 25 students.

“This tragic incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely.”

Akila outlined, “We stand with the affected community at this difficult time; our heartfelt condolences go to those who have lost their loved ones, and we wish a full recovery for those injured.”

On the abduction, she disclosed that, “UNICEF further urges the swift release of the abducted children.”

Akila also stressed the obligation to safeguard learning spaces.

“Students, education facilities, and their personnel should be protected under international law from any form of attack, and those responsible must be held to account in accordance with national and international standards,” she stated.

Referencing Nigeria’s 2015 commitment, she said, “In 2015, the Nigerian government endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, which outlines concrete steps to safeguard the civilian nature of schools and universities to ensure safe access of students to education during conflict.”

She urged full operation.

Akila also revealed that UNICEF was working with authorities and communities to improve child safety and promote secure learning environments.

“These systems and environments must be reinforced to prevent future tragedies.

“No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education,” the statement added.

The Safe Schools Declaration is an inter-governmental political commitment to protect students, teachers, schools, and universities from the worst effects of armed conflict.

It has been endorsed by 121 States, PUNCH Online confirms from the SSD website on Tuesday, with Nigeria endorsing it in May 2015.

In April 2021, the House of Representatives resolved to investigate the alleged abandonment of Federal Government’s Safe School Initiative, especially the N500m allocated to the rehabilitation of the Government Secondary School Chibok, Borno State, where Boko Haram abducted over 200 schoolgirls.

Months later in October, President of the Senate then, Ahmad Lawan, said that the Safe School Initiative of the Federal Government was designed to fail.