Abuja — Implement Safe Schools Plan to Protect Schools, Children

It has been a decade since the tragic abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria, yet the authorities have still not implemented and sustained crucial measures to ensure a safe learning environment for every child, according to Human Rights Watch.

Since 2014, more than 1,600 children have been abducted or kidnapped in northern Nigeria, as reported by Save the Children. The ongoing conflict between Boko Haram and the Nigerian armed forces in the northeast, as well as the activities of criminal groups known as bandits in the northwest, continue to pose a threat to the safety of children. Just in February and March 2024, over 200 children were kidnapped from schools in Kaduna and Sokoto states by bandits.

“For many children in northern Nigeria, the simple act of going to school means risking abduction or kidnapping,” said Anietie Ewang, a researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Children should not have to choose between their safety and education, but the current insecurity in the country forces them to make this impossible decision daily.”

The abduction of 276 girls from a school in Chibok by Boko Haram in 2014 sparked global outrage. While some of the girls have been rescued or released, 96 remain in captivity, according to UNICEF. Boko Haram, known for its opposition to education, has carried out similar abductions, including one in Dapchi, Yobe state, in 2018.

In addition to the kidnappings by Boko Haram, the northwest region has become a hotspot for criminal kidnappings for ransom due to the ongoing banditry crisis. The conflict between herders and farmers has given rise to these criminal groups, leading to widespread violence and kidnappings in rural communities.

Following a series of high-profile incidents in late 2020 and early 2021, where over 600 schoolchildren were abducted across several states, the issue of school kidnappings gained international attention.

In response to the Chibok abduction, the Nigerian government endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, an international commitment to protect education from attacks and prevent schools from being used for military purposes. The government also launched the Safe School Initiative, with an initial pledge of US$10 million to make schools safer in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.

However, the initiative has faced challenges, with little progress made in securing schools over the years. The lack of a National Policy and Strategy for the Safe School Initiative has hindered its effectiveness, leaving communities vulnerable to attacks and children at risk.

A former Chibok captive shared her experience with Human Rights Watch, expressing her distress at hearing about more school kidnappings. She emphasized the need for improved security infrastructure and intervention from authorities to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The ongoing school kidnappings have forced many schools to close, leaving over 20 million children out of school in Nigeria, according to UNESCO. Girls, in particular, face additional risks such as sexual violence and child marriage when they are kept out of school.

In 2021, the Nigerian government adopted the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools to enhance school security and ensure education continues for children affected by conflict. The government committed to investing billions of naira in this initiative, but details of the implementation remain unclear.

Experts emphasize the importance of involving communities in designing and implementing safety initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and reduce corruption. It is crucial for the authorities to prioritize the safety of children and work with communities to implement measures that respect children’s rights and ensure transparent and efficient implementation.

“Now more than ever, the Nigerian authorities must take decisive action to protect children and ensure a safe learning environment,” said Ewang. “By working collaboratively with communities and investing in effective strategies, we can ensure that every child can learn without fear of harm.”