Amnesty International Nigeria has raised concerns over the closure of primary and secondary schools in 20 of the 23 local government areas of Sokoto State, warning that the worsening insecurity caused by persistent bandit attacks is threatening the education and future of thousands of children.
The human rights organisation said the prolonged shutdown of schools has placed an entire generation of children at risk of missing out on education, describing the situation as another indication that education is increasingly under attack in northern Nigeria.
According to Amnesty International, many children have already been forced to abandon their education after repeated violent attacks displaced their families, particularly in Sabon Birni Local Government Area. The organisation also noted that many teachers have fled the affected communities to safer states, further crippling the education system.
It stressed that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and development, insisting that no child should be forced to choose between pursuing an education and preserving their life.
Amnesty International urged the Nigerian authorities to take urgent and decisive action to halt attacks on schools, improve security in vulnerable communities, and safeguard children’s fundamental right to education.
The organisation warned that failure to address the escalating insecurity could have long-term consequences for education and development in Sokoto State and across northern Nigeria.
