Release of 279 abducted Jangebe schoolgirls: We are relieved, says UNICEF

zamfara-schoolgirls-6 — Photo showing the freed female students of GSS Jangebe, who were recently kidnapped by bandits in zamfara.

By JOHN ONAH, Abuja-

The United Nations International Children Educational Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday, said the organization is relieved by the news of the reported release of the 279 students of the Government Girls’ Secondary Schoo, Jangebe in Zamfaral State.

In a statement by the The UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Peter Hawkins said: “We are relieved with the news of the reported release of over 200 students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School Jangebe in Zamfara State, north-west Nigeria, who were kidnapped during an overnight attack at their school in the early hours of the morning on Friday, 26 February”.

“While we rejoice at the release of the schoolgirls and look forward to their safe return to their families, we reiterate that attacks on students and schools are not only reprehensible but a violation of the right of children to an education. It is a right that any society can ill-afford to violate”. The statement said.

Mr. Hawkins, however, called on the Nigeria Government to take all measures in protecting schools, so that children would not be fearful of going to school, and parents afraid of sending their children to school.

“Schools must be safe places to study and develop, and learning should not become a risky endeavour”, said Mr. Hawkins.

While noting that it would provide psychosocial support to the girls and their families, the country’s representative of UNICEF, promised to collaborate with the Ministry of Education in ensuring the safe return to school of all children in Zamfara State.