PETER Hawkin, Nigerian representative of United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has expressed relief that the abducted schoolgirls in Jangebe, Zamfara State has been released.

Hawkin made this known on Tuesday, March 1, in a statement made available to Realnews saying: “We are relieved with the news of the reported release of over 200 students of the Government Girls’ Secondary School, Jangebe in Zamfara State, North-west Nigeria, who were kidnapped during an overnight attack at their school in the early hours of the morning on Friday, February 26.

“While we rejoice at the release of the schoolgirls and look forward to their safe return to their families, we reiterate that attacks on students and schools are not only reprehensible but a violation of the right of children to an education. It is a right that any society can ill-afford to violate.”

Said he: “UNICEF calls on the Government of Nigeria to take all measures to protect schools in the country so that children will not be fearful of going to school, and parents afraid of sending their children to school.”

“Schools must be safe places to study and develop, and learning should not become a risky endeavour.

“UNICEF will be providing psychosocial support to the girls and their families and working with the Ministry of Education on how to ensure the safe return to school of all children in Zamfara State,” he said.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.