UNICEF Laments Over 96 Chibok Girls Still in Captivity, 9yrs After Abduction

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, UNICEF, has lamented the captivity of 96 out of the 276 Chibok girls abducted in Northeast Nigeria nine years ago.

She expressed her concerns over the conditions of Nigerian children, saying that children in Nigeria continue to suffer the brutal consequences of conflict.

According to her, from 2014 to date, there have been over 2,400 incidents of grave violations affecting over 6,800 children in the northeastern part of the country.

She said these and more reinforce the urgent need for action from all to protect children in Nigeria.

“We must do everything in our power to ensure they grow up in safety, with access to education and the opportunity to fulfill their potential and will likely affect generations,” she said.

According to the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TCN) reports, between 2009 and 2022, around 2,295 teachers were reportedly killed in attacks, over 19,000 teachers were displaced, more than 1,500 schools closed because of insecurity, and 910 schools were destroyed.

She, however, promised to support the government in its implementation to ensure that all children encountered during the armed conflict in Nigeria or released from armed groups are quickly reunited with their families and benefit from reintegration programs.