United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, has said no fewer than one million children in Nigeria are scared to return to school because they fear being attacked by bandits, insurgents and kidnappers. 

Disclosing this in a statement, UNICEF said Nigeria has recorded at least 20 attacks on schools in 2021, according for the abduction of over 1,000 children.

UNICEF's representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, said the organization was worried over how insecurity is affecting school resumption, adding that despite government’s efforts, many children are not being reached due to inability to access technology and forced labour.

According to Hawkins, and I quote, “With each passing moment, countless amounts of opportunity are lost. We must put our children’s future first. We can and must tackle insecurity, stop attacks on education, and keep schools open. The clock is ticking for our young students", end quote.