Generation of Children at Risk as Insecurity Forces Sokoto School Shutdown — Amnesty International

Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the closure of primary and secondary schools in 20 of Sokoto State’s 23 local government areas following escalating bandit attacks, warning that the development could leave an entire generation of children without access to education.

In a statement issued on Friday, the human rights organisation said the worsening security situation has placed education under serious threat across northern Nigeria, with thousands of children now unable to attend school because of persistent attacks on their communities.

According to Amnesty International, the decision by the Sokoto State Government to suspend academic activities across most of the state highlights the growing impact of insecurity on education and child development.

“Sokoto State Government had shut down primary and secondary schools in 20 out of 23 local government areas of the state as a result of escalating attacks by bandits across the state. This means a generation of children are at the risk of missing out entirely on education,” the organisation stated.

Amnesty stressed that schools should remain safe environments where children can learn without fear, describing the situation as a direct assault on the right to education.

“Education is under attack in northern Nigeria. Schools should be places of safety, and no child should have to choose between their education and their life,” the statement added.

The organisation also noted that many children had already abandoned their education after repeated attacks forced families to flee their communities.

It identified Sabon Birni Local Government Area as one of the worst-hit areas, where recurring violence has displaced residents and disrupted academic activities.

“Already many children have had to abandon their education after being displaced by frequent violent attacks on their communities, especially in Sabon Birni LGA, and many teachers have been forced to flee to other states,” Amnesty said.

The rights group warned that prolonged school closures could worsen educational inequality, increase school dropout rates and expose children to other social risks.

It urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace in the affected communities and guarantee the safety of schools, teachers and pupils.

“The Nigerian authorities must act immediately to prevent attacks on schools, to protect children’s lives and their right to education,” Amnesty International Nigeria said.

The organisation called for urgent measures to ensure children can return to classrooms safely and continue their education without the threat of violence.