In a strongly worded statement on November 18, 2025, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) condemned the brutal attack on the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, calling for the immediate and safe release of the 25 students abducted during the raid.
The agency described the assault — which left the school’s vice principal dead and several others wounded — as a “devastating reminder” of how vulnerable Nigerian children and educational institutions remain, especially in conflict-prone regions.
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A Violent Night in Kebbi
Reports suggest that a heavily armed gang stormed the boarding school around 4 a.m., firing indiscriminately before scaling fences and entering the dormitories. In the chaos, the assailants abducted 25 female students. Tragically, Vice Principal Hassan Yakubu Makuku was killed, and at least one other part of the school community was wounded.
Security forces reacted swiftly: police tactical units stationed nearby exchanged fire, while the military and local vigilante groups mobilised to comb the surrounding forests in a desperate bid to track down the kidnappers and rescue the girls.
UNICEF’s Firm Stand: Children Must Be Protected
UNICEF’s statement expressed profound sympathy to the affected community, extending condolences to the bereaved family of the vice-principal and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.
But the organisation went beyond words. Demanding the “swift and safe release” of all abducted pupils, UNICEF reminded the world that children, their teachers, and school buildings are protected under international law.
The agency also pointed out that Nigeria is a signatory to the Safe Schools Declaration, a commitment made in 2015 to safeguard schools during times of conflict. UNICEF called on authorities and stakeholders to redouble their efforts, stressing that it is not enough to have such declarations on paper — implementation must follow.
“No child should be put at risk while pursuing education,” the statement emphasised, highlighting the necessity for a strengthened child protection system in Nigeria.
Calls for Accountability and Solidarity
UNICEF did not shy away from calling out those responsible for this atrocity. It urged that the perpetrators be held accountable — not only under Nigerian law but also in line with international standards that safeguard children’s rights.
The organisation also underlined its commitment to working with government bodies, civil society, and local communities to fortify protections for children across the country. By supporting inclusive and safe learning environments, UNICEF hopes to prevent similar incidents in future.
Broader Implications and Context
This attack in Kebbi is unfortunately not isolated. In recent years, UNICEF has repeatedly raised the alarm over increasing threats to education in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions.
In addition to pastoral insecurity and banditry, schools have become frequent targets of kidnappings and violent raids — and UNICEF has long warned that such acts violate children’s right to education and to a safe environment.
There is also mounting political pressure. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar publicly condemned the attack, calling for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture to better protect vulnerable communities. Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry has ramped up rescue efforts, yet the risks to students remain painfully high..
UNICEF’s condemnation of the Kebbi school attack serves as a stark reminder that education is not safe by default and that commitment to its protection must go beyond policies. The tragic incident in Maga underscores the urgency for Nigeria — and the international community — to safeguard children, enforce accountability, and ensure that schools remain sanctuaries for learning, not targets of violence.
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