United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the abduction of over 300 students of Government Girls Secondary School in Jangebe, Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The United Nation’s body has said the attack is a “gross violation of children’s right”, in which the horrific experienced could have a long lasting effects on the students’ well-being.

Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, disclosed this in a statement, lamenting on the attacks targeted on Nigerian students lately.  

He said “We are angered and saddened and by yet another brutal attack on schoolchildren in Nigeria.

“This is a gross violation of children’s rights and a horrific experience for children to go through – one which could have long-lasting effects on their mental health and well-being. We utterly condemn the attack and call on those responsible to release the girls immediately and for the government to take steps to ensure their safe release and the safety of all other schoolchildren in Nigeria.

“Children should feel safe at home and at school at all times – and parents should not need to worry for the safety of their children when they send them off to school in the morning.

“UNICEF acknowledges efforts being made by the Government of Nigeria to secure the release of kidnapped schoolchildren in Nigeria and calls on the government and all concerned to make schools safe in Nigeria.”

The school attack came just over a week a similar attack on students and staff of Government Science College (GSC), Kagara Town, Niger state occurred.