Response to kidnapped schoolgirls being returned by Boko Haram in Nigeria

This statement is in response to news that Boko Haram extremists have returned most of the 110 girls abducted from their Nigeria boarding school.

The return came with a warning from the group who said girls should not be in education.

Tanya Barron, Chief Executive of Plan International UK, said: “This kidnapping represents a fundamental violation of these girls’ human rights, in particular their right to access a quality education.

“Many families are withdrawing their children, especially girls, from school due to the high risk of abduction. By not continuing their schooling, children are at risk of being recruited into extremist organisations or criminal gangs, their chances of employment are severely limited and the chance of them entering child marriages or having early pregnancies is significantly higher.

“Plan International has been working in northeast Nigeria to support children who have dropped out of school to recommence their schooling by providing school materials and training teachers. We are urging the Government to provide schools with adequate security to ensure no child ever has to fear for their safety.”