UNICEF Condemns Attack on Kebbi Girls’ School, Urges Swift Rescue and Protection

UNICEF expressed deep sympathy for the families who lost loved ones during the attack and extended well wishes to those who were injured.

UNICEF has strongly condemned the violent attack on a Government Girls School in the Maga community of Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria — an assault that resulted in the killing of the school’s Vice-Principal and the reported abduction of 25 students. The attack has sent shockwaves across the nation, drawing renewed attention to the escalating threats faced by children, educators and learning institutions in conflict-affected regions.

The tragedy is the latest in a distressing series of school-targeted attacks in northern Nigeria, where armed groups continue to undermine the right to education by terrorizing students, families and teachers. UNICEF emphasized that this incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen protections for all children and the essential personnel who support their learning and safety.

Condolences and Solidarity With the Affected Community

UNICEF expressed deep sympathy for the families who lost loved ones during the attack and extended well wishes to those who were injured. The organization reaffirmed its solidarity with the Maga community at this time of profound grief, urging authorities and community leaders to stand united in their efforts to prevent further violence.

Demand for the Immediate Release of the Abducted Students

In its statement, UNICEF called for the swift and unconditional release of the kidnapped students. The organization stresses that no child should ever be used as a pawn in conflict or violence, and that schools must remain sanctuaries of safety, not targets of terror.

Schools and Students Must Be Protected Under International Law

UNICEF reiterated that children, educational facilities and school personnel are protected under international human rights and humanitarian law. Any attack on them constitutes a grave violation that must be addressed with urgency and accountability.

The organization urged Nigerian authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident and ensure that perpetrators face justice in line with national and international legal standards.

Safe Schools Declaration: Renewed Call for Full Implementation

UNICEF referenced Nigeria’s endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015 — a global commitment outlining concrete steps to protect educational institutions during armed conflict. The Declaration calls for:

• Restricting the use of schools for military purposes

• Protecting students and educators from violence

• Supporting the continuation of education during crises

• Holding violators accountable

UNICEF urged all stakeholders — government entities, security agencies, civil society, and local communities — to strengthen compliance with the Declaration and accelerate ongoing efforts to safeguard schools across Nigeria.

Rising Attacks on Schools Raise Alarming Concerns

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in school abductions and attacks, particularly in the North. Criminal gangs and armed groups have frequently targeted boarding schools, abducting children for ransom, disrupting learning, and deepening fear among communities. These incidents threaten to reverse years of progress in girls’ education, literacy, and community development.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that such attacks have long-term consequences, including:

• Psychological trauma for survivors and families

• Increased dropout rates, especially among girls

• Teacher shortages in at-risk regions

• Community displacement and economic disruption

• Erosion of trust in public institutions

UNICEF’s Ongoing Support for Education and Child Protection

UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Nigerian government, civil society organizations and community leaders to strengthen child protection systems and promote safe, inclusive learning environments. The agency continues to support:

• Community-based child protection networks

• Psychosocial support for affected families

• Security and infrastructure improvements in schools

• Education continuity programs for displaced children

• Awareness campaigns to promote safe practices and community vigilance

UNICEF stressed that these systems must be reinforced urgently to prevent future tragedies and ensure that every Nigerian child has access to quality education without fear.

A Call for Collective Action and Accountability

The attack in Kebbi State is a stark reminder that the right to education remains under threat for millions of children. UNICEF’s message is clear: children must never be endangered while pursuing an education, and protecting schools must be treated as a national and moral obligation.

The organization called on all actors — from security agencies to community leaders — to work together to ensure that schools remain places of hope, safety and empowerment for every child in Nigeria.