The Amnesty International (AI) has stated in a recent report that the school enrolment in the North-eastern part of Nigeria has experienced a drastic reduction due to attacks on schools in the North between 2012 and 2013.
According to the report which was released by Amnesty International’s Deputy Africa Director, Lucy Freeman, the drop was linked to the sporadic killing of about 70 teachers and 80 students by Boko Haram insurgent group in the last one year.
It was also reported that about 50 schools were burnt while over 60 were forced to shut down due to the incessant attacks.
“Hundreds have been killed in these horrific attacks. Thousands of children have been forced out of schools across communities in Northern Nigeria and many teachers have been forced to flee for their safety”, the report read.
The new report from AI also on July 6, 30 people, including at least 25 school children, were killed in their dormitories in Mamudo, Yobe State and alleged that no one had been brought to book by the authorities over the vicious attacks.
The report also noted that between July and September 2013 about 80 school children and students were reportedly killed by unknown gunmen in two separate attacks in Yobe State.
“Attacks against school children, teachers and school buildings demonstrate an absolute disregard for the right to life and the right to education.
“According to the report on Education under attack in Nigeria, this year alone, at least 70 teachers and scores of pupils have been slaughtered and many others wounded. Some 50 schools have been burnt or seriously damaged and over 60 others have been forced to close.
“The Islamist group, commonly known as Boko Haram, has claimed responsibility for many, but not all, of the attacks.
“Between 2010 and 2011, attacks were mostly carried out when schools were empty. However, since the beginning of 2013, they appear to have become more targeted and brutal.
“They frequently happen when schools are occupied and, according to reports received by Amnesty International, teachers and pupils are now being directly targeted and killed”, the report noted.
Meanwhile, the spokesman of the 3 Division Special Operation, Damaturu, Capt. Lazarus Eli, yesterday confirmed that an aerial bombardment of Majari forest on Monday has left many suspect Boko Haram members dead in Yobe State.
Capt. Eli added that 15 people were also arrested in various locations in Gujba during the raids and are currently being being interrogated.
The military spokesman said the Force is strategizing new ways to confront the insurgency.
“We also carried out heavy air raids where many of the insurgents were killed. The air raid was carried out the day after the attack. We have also strengthened patrols on the Maiduguri/Damaturu highway to ensure the safety of travellers on the roads.
“We are evolving strategies to ensure that schools in the state are safe for learning”, he disclosed.