Zamfara abduction has negative implications for girl-child education, says ACF

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) says the abduction of students at the Federal University of Gusau (FUG) in Zamfara state has negative implications for the girl child education.

On Friday, bandits attacked the university and made away with an unspecified number of students.

It is thought that over 20 students were abducted in the attack.

In a statement on Sunday, Tukur Mohammad-Baba, ACF’s publicity secretary, described the attack as an “unfortunate criminal incident” which is “far too many to occur in any community in Nigeria, nor elsewhere in the world”.

“The incident is very worrisome, with very negative implications, especially for the girl-child education,” Mohammed-Baba said.

“A pointer to the unfolding tragedy is in an apparent ‘voice note’ on social media where a girl was heard stating that her father had called her home, ordering that her pursuit of a university degree be abandoned; another was heard advising intending candidates for admission not to select this particular institution as a place of choice.

“This is an absolutely and highly regrettable development to be condemned in all its ramifications.”

The spokesperson said the security agencies should not relent in their efforts to contain banditry and terrorism in Zamfara and the entire country.

Mohammad-Baba said the security agencies should come up with “new multi-pronged containment strategies against insecurity”.