By Cynthia Abah
UNICEF reports that since the 2014 abduction of Chibok schoolgirls, 1,680 Nigerian schoolchildren have been abducted and 180 have lost their lives. Only 37% of schools in ten states have early warning systems in place to detect dangers like school attacks, according to a recent analysis by UNICEF. This grim reality comes amidst the tenth anniversary of the Chibok mass kidnapping and a recent abduction in Kaduna State.
Ms. Cristian Munduate, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, emphasized the need for stronger efforts to protect children, calling the Chibok abduction a wake-up call. She stressed the importance of addressing both symptoms and root causes, highlighting education as a fundamental right crucial for escaping poverty.
Saadhna Panday-Soobrayan, Chief of Education at UNICEF Nigeria, revealed alarming statistics of conflict-related violence in schools, with over 1,680 children abducted and 180 killed in the last decade. She noted the significant impact of student abductions on learning, citing instances of school closures and fear among students.
UNICEF Nigeria urged decisive action from the government, partners, and the international community to ensure safer schools and protect children. Recommendations include implementing minimum standards for safe schools, addressing infrastructure deficiencies, enhancing security measures, and prioritizing education and child protection in policies and budgets. Additionally, UNICEF emphasized the importance of alternative learning pathways during school closures to ensure the continuity of education for Nigerian children.