A coalition of civil society organisations in Kebbi has described the mass kidnapping of schoolgirls in the state as a deliberate attempt to undermine educational development in the North.

The coalition’s chairman, Ibrahim Ngaski, said this during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Bandits had, on November 17, launched an attack on Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga and kidnapped 25 schoolgirls.

“This heinous act is a direct attack on the safety, education and future of our children. We condemn in the strongest terms the abduction and the violence against these innocent girls and their families. Education is a fundamental right. Therefore, no child should live in fear of violence in whatsoever manner when pursuing their dreams,” the chairman said.

Mr Ngaski, therefore, called on the government to intensify search and rescue operations to ensure the safe return of all the abducted girls and other people in captivity, while appealing for enhanced security measures around schools and communities.

“Relocate all boarding schools situated in remote areas or prone to attack across the state to safer locations to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Engage with community leaders and other critical stakeholders to foster dialogue, prevention, peace and resilience-building initiatives in all the wards and villages across the state,” he said.

Another suggestion from the chairman was to provide immediate, comprehensive support to the victims’ families. He also recommended the full implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative, as the Kebbi Government was a beneficiary of grants from the World Bank under the AGILE Project.

Mr Ngaski also called for strengthening partnerships with the sister states of Sokoto, Zamfara and Niger in intelligence gathering and protection against possible attacks by terrorist groups.

He added, “Continue providing support to security agencies and our local security outlets to help in overcoming the security challenges bedevilling our state.”

The chairman called on the international community, the media and all Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the affected families, while amplifying calls for swift justice and protection for the children.

“To this end, we call on parents, teachers and communities to remain vigilant and work closely with authorities. Let’s unite in condemning violence and defending the rights of every child to live and learn without fear,” he stated.

(NAN)