Statement by Mohamed Malick Fall, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, on the school attack in Borno State
MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA, Nov. 30, 2017 /CNW/ - "Today's attack on a primary school in the town of Kuaya kusar, Borno State, in which two children were brutally killed and two others injured, is a despicable act.
"Words never come easily when children's lives are taken in such a heinous and deliberate act of violence, especially when it happens in a school, where children should be safe and free from danger.
"This is the first attack on a school in northeast Nigeria in more than two years. The last attack took place in 2015 when Euga primary school, in Bauchi State, was attacked by Boko Haram.
"Since 2014, an estimated 1,500 schools have been targeted by armed groups in northeast Nigeria, causing at least 1,280 deaths among school children and their teachers.
''Nigeria has endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration by which it commits to implement the guidelines for protecting schools and universities from attacks and military use during armed conflict''.
''UNICEF calls upon all parties to respect the civilian character of schools and hospitals, and to stop all grave violations against children.
"We grieve with those who lost their children today, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the injured children who are in hospital."
About UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.
UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.
SOURCE UNICEF Canada
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