The UN has joined other voices to condemn the attack and called for the release of the students. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in a statement released by his spokesperson, Stéphane reaffirmed that “the solidarity and support of the United Nations to the Government and people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism, violent extremism and organised crime”. The statement read in part “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the 11 December attack on a secondary school in katsina State, Nigeria, and the reported abduction of hundreds of boys by suspected armed bandits.
“The Secretary-General calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted children and for their safe return to their families. He reiterates that attacks on schools and other educational facilities constitute a grave violation of human rights. He urges the Nigerian authorities to bring those responsible for this act to justice.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has strongly condemned the cowardly bandits’ attack on the innocent children at the Science School, Kankara, while commiserating with the families of the students. Mr President has challenged security agencies to ensure rescue of the school boys.
Meanwhile, The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) after lending its voice on the matter and stressing that children ought to feel safe at home, in schools, and in their playgrounds, commended the Nigerian government for making effort to rescue the kidnapped school boys by deploying security forces.
Family members of the victims have since the attack visited the school for updates about the whereabouts of their kids and their possible rescue.
Their parents have held prayers for their safe return home.
Some aggrieved women took to the streets of kankara on Sunday to protest the kidnap, displaying placards with inscriptions; “we want our children back”, “We need our children”.
Katsina State governor Aminu Bello Masari disclosed that it was still unclear how many students were “in the hands of the bandits” and how many had managed to escape.
The governor further stated that “The school has a population of 839 and so far, we are yet to account for 333 students,” Masari told a federal government delegation in his office on Sunday. He instructed the school to take a headcount of the students to determine those who went back home.
Katsina is among several areas in northwest part of Nigeria that have suffered repeated attacks by “bandits” who kidnap for ransom.
