The African Women Lawyers Association, AWLA, has called for urgent action to rescue the schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State.
The association also renewed its demand for stronger measures to address gender-based violence across the country.
AWLA made the call on Thursday during its ongoing International Conference in Cotonou, Benin Republic, following the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of the state.
With the conference themed “From Margins to Mainstream: The African Woman in Unfettered Sustainable Development,” AWLA members said the attack highlights the deepening insecurity in Nigeria and the growing vulnerability of schoolgirls
International Alternate Chairman for Litigation and AWLA representative, Abiodun Kolawole, described the incident as a tragic indication of the rising threats facing Nigerian children.
“We are devastated by what happened in Kebbi. Armed men stormed a government school where young girls were simply trying to learn. This is heartbreaking. This is unacceptable. Nigeria cannot continue to live under the constant threat of abduction and terror,” Kolawole said.
She urged the Nigerian government, the African Union, ECOWAS, the United Nations and other international partners to urgently intervene and support efforts to rescue the girls and protect schools nationwide.