UNICEF Condemns Killing Of Yobe Students, Wants FG To Protect Schools

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Friday, February 28th, 2014

Ignatius Okpara, Enugu

The United Nations Children Education Fund UNICEF, has expressed shock over the recent brutal killing of some 45 children, between 13 and 17 years old, by unidentified gunmen at the Federal Government College of Buni Yadi, Yobe State, Nigeria.

A statement issued by UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Manuel Fontaine, made available to African Examiner Thursday in Enugu, read in parts: “We condemn in the strongest possible terms this vicious attack on students,”

“Many young lives were lost. Many more students and teachers are deprived of their right to education. Attacks on children and schools are unacceptable under any circumstances.” the organization stated.

According to the statement, UNICEF is deeply concerned about the repeated attacks on schools in northeastern Nigeria in this context of fear and violence.

It noted that Since June 2013, four attacks resulted in school closures affecting thousands of students, many of whom have had no access to formal learning for months.

“When a school is under attack and students become targets, not only their lives are shattered – but, the future of the nation is stolen,” added Fontaine.

“UNICEF offers its deepest condolences to all the families and communities affected by these senseless acts and calls for greater efforts to protect all children throughout Nigeria.

The international establishment however, reassured the entire globe including Nigeria of its commitment towards promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in “everything we do, together with our partners.”

“We work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children,” the agency disclosed.