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Nigeria: 10 Years after Chibok, Schoolchildren Still at Risk – HRW
Nigeria: 10 Years after Chibok, Schoolchildren Still at Risk – HRW
…Urges Government To Implement Safe Schools Plan to Protect Schools, Children
By: Our Reporter
Ten years after the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigerian authorities have failed to put in place and sustain crucial measures to provide a secure learning environment for every child, Human Rights Watch said today.
Since 2014, according to Save the Children, more than 1,600 children have been abducted or kidnapped across northern Nigeria. In the northeast, the armed conflict between Boko Haram and Nigerian armed forces continues to take its toll and, in the northwest, criminal groups commonly called bandits are terrorizing communities. During February and March 2024 alone, bandits kidnapped over 200 children from their schools in Kaduna and Sokoto states.
“For many children across northern Nigeria, the pursuit of an education means facing the constant threat of abduction or kidnapping,” said Anietie Ewang, Nigeria researcher at Human Rights Watch. “Children should never face the harrowing dilemma of sacrificing their safety for education, but this untenable choice, which echoes the profound insecurity plaguing the country, is thrust upon them daily.”
On April 14, 2014, Boko Haram, an Islamist armed group, abducted 276 girls from their school in Chibok, a town in northeastern Borno state, sparking global outrage. Although some of the girls escaped, or were released or rescued, 96 remain in captivity according to UNICEF, and civil society groups continue to pressure the government to ensure they are rescued. Boko Haram, known for its opposition to education, has carried out other such abductions, including one of 110 girls from a school in Dapchi, a town in Yobe state, in 2018.
In addition to kidnappings by Boko Haram in the northeast, the ongoing banditry crisis in the northwest has in recent years made that area a hub for criminal kidnapping for ransom. The crisis emerged after years of conflict between herders and farmers, giving rise to the criminal groups, which have carried out widespread killings, looting, extortion, and kidnapping for ransom in mostly rural communities.
Between December 2020 and February 2021, a series of high-profile incidents, including the abduction of over 600 schoolchildren across Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger states, thrust the kidnapping issue into the spotlight.
In the aftermath of Chibok, the Nigerian government endorsed the Safe Schools Declaration, an international political commitment to protect education from attack and schools from military use which turns them into targets. The government also adopted a Safe School Initiative for Nigeria with the support of the global community and Nigerian business leaders. The initiative aimed to raise funds with an initial US$10 million pledge to help make schools safer, including by moving them to safer areas and creating a safe school model for schools across Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, the three states worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgency.
However, the multi-stakeholder initiative faced problems, and there has been a decline in momentum over the years with little or no progress made in fortifying schools, Human Rights Watch said. In 2021, Nigeria’s then-Senate president Ahmad Lawan, following an investigation into the utilization of the funds for the initiative, declared that it was designed to fail without a National Policy and Strategy for the Safe School Initiative and the leadership of the Federal Education Ministry. In the meantime, communities continue to suffer the brunt of bandit attacks and schoolchildren remain vulnerable prey.
A Chibok girl who was in Boko Haram captivity for over two years, and was released with 20 others, told Human Rights Watch that news of school kidnappings brings back memories of her ordeal. “Whenever I hear that more children have been kidnapped, I feel terrible, helpless,” she said. “We are still not safe … It brings back memories of what happened to me. I can never forget being snatched from my parents, my family for so long. I pray this is not the case for those that are kidnapped.” She is now a 28-year-old university student studying natural and environmental sciences.
Kemi Okenyodo, an expert in security and governance and the executive director of the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative in Abuja, told Human Rights Watch that the ongoing school kidnappings, resembling those in Chibok a decade ago, highlight a failure to learn from past experiences, as they are taking place without adequate security infrastructure or intervention from authorities to prevent dozens or hundreds of children being snatched away at once.
Amid the heightened threat of attacks on schools, many have been forced to shut down completely, with more than 20 million children out of school in Nigeria, according to UNESCO, among the highest number in any country in the world. According to UNICEF, 66 percent of out-of-school children in Nigeria are from the northeast and northwest, which are among the poorest regions in the country.
For girls especially, the challenges are double edged. They risk rape and other forms of sexual violence if kidnapped, and if kept out of school, they risk child marriage, which is a common practice in these regions.
In 2021, the government adopted the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence Free Schools aimed at improving school security, strengthening the capabilities of security agents to respond to threats, and ensuring that education continues for children displaced by conflict and crisis, among other reasons.
The authorities committed to investing 144.8 billion naira (about $314.5 million at the time) over a certain period to finance this initiative. In 2023, they announced that 15 billion naira (about $24 million at the time) had been earmarked to pilot the initiative in 18 high-risk states and 48 schools. However, details of the implementation are sparse, and it remains unclear the extent to which this has been done.
Okenyodo told Human Rights Watch that the government needs to involve communities in designing and implementing initiatives to make schools safer to create a sense of ownership and reduce inefficiency and corruption.
“Now more than ever, the Nigerian authorities should step up efforts to make learning safe for children,” Ewang said. “They should work with communities to adopt rights-respecting measures and put in place adequate financing, systems, and structures to ensure quick, effective, and transparent implementation to ensure that children can learn without being exposed to grave harm.”
Nigeria: 10 Years after Chibok, Schoolchildren Still at Risk – HRW
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Burkina Faso’s reckless violation of icao rules over emergency landing exposes AES hostility toward Nigeria
Burkina Faso’s reckless violation of icao rules over emergency landing exposes AES hostility toward Nigeria
By: Zagazola Makama
The seizure of 10 Nigerian Air Force personnel by Burkina Faso’s military regime after an emergency landing has ignited anger across diplomatic and aviation circles, with experts condemning the move as vindictive, unprofessional, and a direct breach of globally recognised ICAO safety procedures.
The Nigerian C-130 Hercules aircraft, which made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso on Monday, had already obtained clearance before entering Burkina Faso’s airspace, contrary to AES claims. Aviation sources confirmed that the crew followed all required procedures after encountering an in-flight technical distress, including declaring an emergency and requesting the nearest available runway.
Under ICAO international law, which supersedes regional disagreements, an aircraft facing distress has the unrestricted right to land anywhere, including in hostile territory or active war zones. Emergency procedures clearly state that: Pilots must transmit “MAYDAY” or “PAN-PAN” depending on the severity, all air traffic units must grant priority, maintain radio silence, and provide safe landing guidance, no country is permitted to deny landing rights to a distressed aircraft, regardless of political tension or military status and any obstruction or punishment of an emergency landing is treated as a serious violation of international aviation law.
Yet, despite these established global norms, Burkina Faso’s junta responded with hostility, detaining impounding the aircraft while issuing inflammatory statements through the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).
Multiple diplomatic sources say Burkina Faso’s behaviour was not about airspace violation, but about frustration and anger over Nigeria’s role in foiling the recent coup attempt in Benin Republic. The junta in Ouagadougou has openly aligned itself with regimes in Niger and Mali and views Nigeria-led ECOWAS as an adversary.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, having withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the AES, have taken increasingly confrontational postures. The failed coup in Benin Republic would have added a fourth member to their alliance. Nigeria, working with Beninese authorities, helped abort the mutiny, an outcome that allegedly angered Ouagadougou. It was believe this political grievance drove their irrational and provocative treatment of the Nigerian Air Force crew.
Ironically, while Burkina Faso claimed “sovereignty violation,” the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerien Air Force, both on opposing sides of the ECOWAS–AES political divide continue to operate jointly on the border. Niger and Nigeria have been conducting joint operations against ISWAP in part of North East.
This exposes the immaturity and isolationist attitude of Burkina Faso’s junta, which has adopted a policy of hostility even toward partners with whom they still maintain diplomatic ties.
Despite withdrawing from ECOWAS, Burkina Faso continues to operate its embassy in Nigeria. This makes its hostile action even more illogical and diplomatically inappropriate. If they expect safe operations and immunity for their missions on Nigerian soil, they must uphold reciprocal commitments under international law.
Contrary to AES propaganda, the Nigerian aircraft: had prior clearance, followed ICAO emergency protocols, declared distress, and was compelled to land for safety reasons. Aviation experts noted that aircraft transponders may switch off during emergencies, which is normal and never justifies detention of crew members.
If every country were to behave as Burkina Faso did, global aviation would collapse into chaos. Officials warn that: Burkinabè aircraft could one day face emergencies and require landing in Nigerian airspace. If Nigeria were to apply the same hostile logic, lives could be lost unnecessarily. Aviation safety is built on mutual trust, not political revenge.
A senior aviation specialist described Burkina Faso’s action as: A reckless display of ignorance and political bitterness. Emergency landing protocols are universal. Detaining crew members for saving their aircraft is unacceptable and unlawful.”
Although the Nigerian government has not publicly commented, highly placed sources confirm that quiet diplomatic pressure is being applied at the highest level to ensure the immediate release of the personnel and aircraft.
Burkina Faso’s reckless violation of icao rules over emergency landing exposes AES hostility toward Nigeria
AT PRESIDENT QUATTARA’S INAUGURATION:
** VP Shettima Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment To Regional Stability, Peace
** As World Bank hails Nigeria’s reforms, pledges more partnership in energy, job creation, gender empowerment
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday witnessed the inauguration and swearing-in ceremony of President Alassane Ouattara for another term in office as President of Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan, where he reaffirmed Nigeria’s continued commitment to regional peace and stability.
This is just as the World Bank has applauded the reform policies of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to heighten its partnership with the nation on energy, job creation and gender empowerment initiatives.
At the presidential inauguration that brought together West African leaders and international dignitaries in Abidjan, VP Shettima who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also conveyed the warm congratulations of the Nigerian leader to President Ouattara on his swearing-in.
The inauguration took place at the Presidential Palace, where President Ouattara took the oath of office, pledging to prioritise national reconciliation and economic stability as he begins another term leading the West African nation.
Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, the Vice President expressed confidence in President Ouattara’s continued leadership and wished him success in his new mandate.
Senator Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening the strong partnership between both nations and working together to advance peace, stability, security, and prosperity across the West African region.
The Nigerian Vice President noted that both countries will further strengthen their economic ties through agriculture and trade relations.
In his inaugural address, President Ouattara thanked all visiting leaders who came to show solidarity and friendship with the I’voirans, promising to continue to work for the well-being of his citizens and engage more robustly in diplomatic relations for mutual benefits.
Other leaders who attended the event include the Presidents of South Africa, Liberia, Senegal, Gambia, Angola, Ghana amongst others, and former Nigerian President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
The United States was represented by a Presidential Delegation led by Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs, Jacob Helberg. High-level personalities and delegates from ECOWAS and other nations also graced the occasion.
Meanwhile, the World Bank has applauded the reform policies of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to heighten its partnership with the nation on energy, job creation and gender empowerment initiatives.
The global financial institution stated this on Monday in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, when Vice President Shettima received in audience the Managing Director, Operations, of the World Bank Group, Ms. Anna Bjerde, on the sidelines of the presidential inauguration.
He told Ms Bjerde that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from inception, had to contend with negative impact of the oil subsidy regime on the economic growth of the country, just as he outlined the positive results of the administration’s bold reforms.
The VP further told the World Bank Director that the ongoing tax reforms of the Tinubu administration has yielded positive result, saying “we have crossed the Rubicon.”
He pointed out that though the impact of the reforms may have been painful at the initial stage, it has started showing the dividends, even as he said in order to turn the demographic bulge into demographic dividends, the administration is focusing on gender empowerment initiative, investments in the digital economy and agriculture for enhanced productivity.
The Vice President commended the World Bank team for being supportive to Nigeria.
Earlier, the Managing Director, Operations, of the World Bank Group, Ms. Bjerde, commended Nigeria for taking pragmatic initiatives to position the country on the right path.
Noting that the World Bank is willing to partner more on energy, she said, “First, on energy, we’re stepping up on a number of possibilities to ensure that about four million people are connected.”
Ms. Bjerde also revealed that her group will encourage and enhance upliftment and education of the girl-child in Nigeria.
AT PRESIDENT QUATTARA’S INAUGURATION:
Workshop for SAs reflects administration’s commitment to effective leadership—Governor Buni
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State Governor Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni CON has revealed that the training workshop for Special Advisers reflects the administration’s commitment to effective leadership and quality service delivery.
Governor Buni started this while launching a four-day training workshop for special advisers in Kano. Adding that the training workshop aimed at boosting efficiency and promoting good governance.
The governor, ably represented by his deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), said that the event was crucial for deepening governance effectiveness and improving policy coherence.
According to him, the workshop will also enhance service delivery across the executive team, particularly for those serving as key policy and strategic aides, and he noted that the special advisers play a vital role in policy formulation and implementation.
“The training will address practical areas, especially conflict management, collaborative engagement, communication strategy, ethical leadership, and teamwork among advisers.” Gov. Buni said.
The Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Alhaji Baba Mallam Wali mni, ably represented by the Permanent Secretary, Administration and General Services, Alhaji Madu Gashu’a, revealed that the program aims to enhance collaboration between political and administrative officers.
The training workshop is expected to enhance the participants’ effectiveness and contribute to the overall success of the administration.
Workshop for SAs reflects administration’s commitment to effective leadership—Governor Buni
Burkina Faso weaponising emergency landing to attack Nigeria after Benin fails coup
Burkina Faso’s reckless violation of icao rules over emergency landing exposes AES hostility toward Nigeria
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