The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has denounced the horrific attack on a Government Girls School in Maga community, Kebbi State, where armed assailants killed the school’s Vice-Principal and abducted 25 students in the early hours of Tuesday.
In a strongly worded statement issued on 18 November 2025, UNICEF described the incident as “a tragic reminder of the urgent need to protect children, schools, and the personnel they rely upon to learn safely,” stressing that no child should ever be put in harm’s way simply for seeking an education.
The organisation expressed its condolences to grieving families and wished the injured a swift recovery, while insisting on the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted girls.
UNICEF reminded authorities that students, teachers, and learning facilities are fully protected under international law, and urged the Nigerian government to ensure that those responsible for the barbaric attack are brought to justice.
Reaffirming the importance of the Safe Schools Declaration — endorsed by Nigeria in 2015 — UNICEF called for accelerated efforts to reinforce school safety nationwide. The agency noted that it is already working with government partners, civil society, and local communities to strengthen child protection systems and promote secure, inclusive learning environments.
“Children must never be targets. Schools must remain safe,” the statement emphasized, warning that without stronger protection measures, tragedies like the Maga attack could continue.
For further details, UNICEF encouraged the public to contact its Nigeria Communication Specialist, Sussan Akila, via email or telephone.
About The Author
