Amnesty International Says in 2013 Alone, Boko Haram Killed 70 Teachers, destroyed 50 schools

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News Friday, October 4th, 2013

By Our Correspondent

Amnesty International in its report released on Friday says the Islamic militants, Boko Haram, which in English means western education is evil, has so far killed 70 teachers and destroyed 50 schools in Northern Nigeria.

The attacks on schools, teachers and students are perhaps done to get rid of the Northern Nigeria of western education in which the sect criminally claimed is “evil”

The Amnesty report further disclosed that the Islamic sect has also killed scores of pupils in the attack, saying that several schools had been forced to close down because of the insurgents.

“Hundreds have been killed in these horrific attacks. Thousands of children have been forced out of schools across communities in northern Nigeria and many teachers have been forced to flee for their safety.

“Attacks against school children, teachers and school buildings demonstrate an absolute disregard for the right to life and the right to education,” it said.

According to the report, in one of the incidents, early this year in Maiduguri, ‘the gunmen opened fire on everyone around. Two staff teachers were shot. One died on the spot and the other was seriously wounded. We were all devastated.”

“The Nigerian authorities must provide better protection for schools and ensure that attacks are properly investigated and suspected perpetrators brought to justice. Boko Haram and any affiliate armed groups or individuals should immediately stop all attacks on schools, teachers and pupils.

“We plead with the Nigerian government for more protection for students and teachers. Since 2012, we have seen an escalation of lethal attacks against students and schools. On top of the tragic loss of life, children are being prevented from accessing education. It is high time for the authorities not only to investigate these deplorable incidents and take those responsible to justice but to take measures to prevent them,” said Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Africa, Lucy Freeman, in the report.

It added that between 21 February and 1 March, 2012 alone, 10 primary schools were attacked in locations across Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.