UN-POLAC Director Demands Stronger School Security After Kebbi Girls’ Abduction

The Director of Women and Children at the United Nations Positive Livelihood Award Centre (UN-POLAC), Professor Cynthia Amaka Obiorah, has urged the Federal Government to strengthen security across schools in Nigeria following the abduction of students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State.

In a statement on Wednesday, Prof. Obiorah condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous and unacceptable assault” on children’s rights and Nigeria’s education system. She called on the government to act swiftly to secure the release of the abducted girls and ensure that the perpetrators face justice in line with international child protection standards.

Prof. Obiorah said the incident—carried out by armed men in the early hours of Monday—highlights the continuous vulnerability of Nigerian schoolchildren, particularly girls, to violent attacks. She noted that the killing of the school’s vice principal further underscores the urgent need for stronger protection measures nationwide.

She added that Nigeria has recorded over 1,500 student kidnappings in recent years, a troubling pattern that recalls previous tragedies such as the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ abduction.

Prof. Obiorah reaffirmed UN-POLAC’s commitment to advocating for the rights and safety of women and children, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

“The international community stands with the families of the abducted girls,” the statement read, urging the government to prioritize school security and create safe learning environments across the country.

UN-POLAC stated that it will continue working with UN partners to support Nigeria in protecting children, especially girls, from further harm.