The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has pledged to provide psychosocial support to the released Jangebe schoolgirls and their families.
UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Peter Hawkins, stated this in a statement made available to journalists in Kaduna on Tuesday.
Hawkins added that UNICEF would also work with the Zamfara State Ministry of Education on how to ensure the safe return of all children to school in the state.
“We are relieved with the news of the reported release of the over 200 students of Government Girls’ Secondary School Jangebe in Zamfara, North-west Nigeria.
“While we rejoice at the release of the school girls and look forward to their safe return to their families.
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“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 cannot afford to violate.”
He called on the Federal Government to take measures to protect schools in the country so that children would not be scared of going to school, and parents not afraid of sending their children to school.
According to him, schools must be safe places to study and develop, and learning should not become a risky endeavour.
Announcing the release of the girls on Tuesday, Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara said “repentant bandits in the state-assisted security agencies in the operation that led to the rescue of the schoolgirls.”
The governor, who received the girls at about 5 a.m. on Tuesday in Gusau, said that the 279 girls were returned safely without paying any ransom.
