UNICEF Demands Action After Terrorists Kidnap 25 Kebbi Schoolgirls
The United Nations Children's Fund has strongly condemned Wednesday's brutal attack on a school in Kebbi State, Northwest Nigeria, where terrorists abducted approximately 25 students and killed the vice-principal.
The attack occurred on November 19, 2025, marking another devastating blow to education in northern Nigeria. According to local reports, one of the abducted schoolgirls managed to escape and is now safe, while another student who wasn't taken also fled during the chaotic incident.
International Outcry and Demands for Protection
UNICEF reacted swiftly to the tragedy, emphasizing that "No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education" and insisting that "classrooms must remain places of safety, not fear."
At the daily noon briefing in New York, UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq called for the immediate release of all abducted students. The UN agency extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families, voiced solidarity with the traumatized community, and wished full recovery to any injured victims.
UNICEF stressed that students, teachers, and education facilities must be protected from all forms of violence, in strict accordance with international humanitarian and human rights law. The agency demanded accountability for those responsible, following both national and international standards.
Nigeria's Unfulfilled Safe Schools Commitment
Despite Nigeria endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration in 2015, attacks on educational institutions continue to plague the country. The declaration, launched at the First International Conference on Safe Schools in Oslo, Norway, aims to protect the civilian character of education facilities and ensure safe access to learning during conflicts.
UNICEF lamented that attacks on schools and student abductions remain major barriers to education in Nigeria. A recent UNICEF report revealed alarming gaps in school safety measures across the country.
The Minimum Standards for Safe Schools Monitoring Report exposed critical deficiencies in six key areas:
- School governance
- Violence prevention
- Natural hazards preparedness
- Conflict response
- Everyday risk management
- Safe infrastructure
Disturbingly, the report marking 10 years since the notorious Chibok kidnappings showed that only 37 percent of schools across 10 states have early warning systems to detect threats, including violence and armed attacks.
UNICEF continues working closely with government partners, civil society, and communities to strengthen child protection systems and promote safe, inclusive learning spaces nationwide. The agency emphasized that implementing stronger safeguards could help prevent future tragedies and ensure all Nigerian children can learn without fear.
