Education in Northern Nigeria is Under Attack, Amnesty Says, Condemns Zamfara Schoolgirls Abductions

International rights group, Amnesty International (AI) says the abduction of over 300 schoolgirls in northwestern Zamfara state shows that “education is under attack in northern Nigeria”.

ARISE News had reported how armed men on Friday morning stormed a Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara state, abducting 317 schoolgirls.

The police command in the state also confirmed the abduction of 317 girls from the school.

Zamfara State Police Commissioner, Abutu Yaro confirmed the number of missing students, noting that a joint search and rescue operation is already underway with a view to bringing back the girls.

AI in a tweet on Friday said that the abduction of the schoolgirls is a serious violation of international humanitarian law, and undermines the right to education for thousands of children in northern Nigeria.

“Amnesty International condemns this appalling attack, which is the latest in a string of attacks on schools in northern Nigeria. Attacks on schools and abductions of girls are war crimes,” AI tweeted.

“The girls abducted are in serious risk of being harmed. Nigerian authorities must take all measures to return them to safety, along with all children currently under the custody of armed groups.

“Education is under attack in northern Nigeria. Schools should be places of safety, and no child should have to choose between their education and their life. Other children have had to abandon their education after being displaced by frequent violent attacks on their communities.

By Abel Ejikeme

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