LAGOS, 3 March, 2021 (TON): UNICEF to provide psychosocial assistance to the 279 released schoolgirls abducted from the school hostel in Nigeria’s Zamfara last week.

Peter Hawkins, UNICEF’s representative to Nigeria said that funds would collaborate with the Education ministry for safe return of all the children to school.

"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 education," he said.

"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 endeavor," he added.

Nigeria’s has been a victim of mass kidnappings for the past few years, however, the release of the girls resulted without any use of force rather with a series of negotiations and no ransom paid, a result of the peace accord that state governor initiated.