The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of children, calling for stronger safeguards for schools and learners across Nigeria.

UNICEF’s Nigeria Country Office Head, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, condemned the reported attack on Government Girls’ School in Maga community, Kebbi State, which led to the killing of the school’s vice-principal and the abduction of 25 students.

“This tragic incident is yet another stark reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely,” UNICEF said in a statement issued to journalists yesterday.

“We stand with the affected community during this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences go to the families who lost loved ones, and we wish full recovery for the injured,” the statement added.

UNICEF called for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted students and stressed that learners, schools and education personnel are protected under international law.

It urged that those responsible be held accountable in line with national and international standards. The agency also recalled Nigeria’s 2015 endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration, which outlines measures to safeguard educational institutions and ensure uninterrupted access to learning during conflict situations.