Statement attributable to UNICEF spokesman Martin Dawes on the reported killing of children in Nigeria
2013-06-19
DAKAR, SENEGAL/ HONG KONG, 19 June 2013 –At least nine pupils are reported to have been killed in a violent attack on a school in Maiduguri, northeast Nigeria yesterday, according to news report.
It was the second attack on a school in northeast Nigeria in recent days. On 16 June, 13 students and teachers were killed in a school attack in Damaturu, Nigeria.
Martin Dawes, UNICEF Regional Chief of Communication for West and Central Africa, has the following response to the attack in Nigeria.
“UNICEF condemns in the strongest terms the attack which has reportedly left at least nine pupils dead in Maiduguri, north east Nigeria. Five of the children were said to be taking exams when they were shot.”
“Children going to school is an investment for all. UNICEF wishes to offer sincere condolences to the families, while reminding all involved in the current violence affecting the north east of their obligations to protect children from harm.”