UN Agency Condemns Kebbi School Attack, Demands Immediate Action
The United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre has issued a strong condemnation of the recent abduction of schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State. Professor Cynthia Obiorah, Director of Women and Children at UN-POLAC, has called for urgent government intervention to secure the students' safe return.
Heinous Act Targets Innocent Students
In a statement released to The Guardian on 22 November 2025, Professor Obiorah described the early Monday morning attack by armed men as a reprehensible act that threatens the fundamental right to education for Nigerian children, particularly girls. She emphasized that this incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges facing educational institutions across Nigeria.
The UN official drew parallels between the Kebbi abduction and the devastating Chibok schoolgirls' kidnapping of April 14, 2014, noting that such attacks leave lasting scars on both Nigeria and the global community. She revealed alarming statistics showing that over 1,500 students have been kidnapped in recent years during various school attacks throughout the country.
International Standards and Solidarity
Professor Obiorah stressed that the Nigerian government must work in accordance with international human rights standards and the UN's guiding principles on protecting children in armed conflict. She highlighted the connection between this security crisis and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
- Goal 4: Quality Education
- Goal 5: Gender Equality
- UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security
The statement confirmed that the international community stands in solidarity with the families of the abducted girls and demands concrete action to prevent future atrocities. UN-POLAC committed to continuing its collaboration with UN partners to support the Nigerian government in ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, with special focus on women and children.
The tragic loss of the school's vice principal during the attack further underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures around educational institutions. Professor Obiorah described the targeting of innocent students and educators as abhorrent, requiring immediate attention from both Nigerian authorities and the global community.
