Nigerian Authorities Must Not Only Investigate School Attacks But Prevent Them - Amnesty International

In the aftermath of a Sunday gunmen attack at the College of Agriculture in Yobe state that left dozens dead, Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to protects schools and students in the north.

  “Since 2012, we have seen an escalation of lethal attacks against students and schools. On top of the tragic loss of life children are being prevented from accessing education.
It is high time for the authorities not only to investigate these deplorable incidents and take those responsible to justice but to take measures to prevent them,” said Lucy Freeman, Africa Deputy Director at Amnesty International. No one has claimed responsibility for the Sunday attack. However, Amnesty International reminds, that the Islamist sect Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for attacks on schools, teachers and students in north-eastern Nigeria since 2012. Between 21 February and 1 March 2012 alone, 10 primary schools were attacked in locations across Maiduguri, Yobe capital. Since the beginning of this year, attacks seem to have become more targeted and brutal as they frequently happen when schools are occupied, and teachers and pupils are now being directly targeted and killed. “Boko Haram and any affiliated armed groups or individuals in northern Nigeria must immediately stop all attacks on schools, students, teachers and pupils. This is a deplorable and absolute disregard for the right to life and the right to education,” Lucy Freeman added. The death toll at the College of Agriculure, Gujba,Yobe State has risen to 78. At least 50 of them were students who were attacked in the early hours of yesterday morning as they slept in their hostel. Some were shot, others were butchered with swords and knives. The gunmen, suspected to be Boko Haram sect members later moved to houses around the hostel, killing residents they find