The United Nations has called for the immediate and unconditional release of some secondary school students kidnapped in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria.

A statement on Monday by the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, condemned the abduction and vowed to collaborate with the federal government of Nigeria to secure their release.

It will be recalled that gunmen on Friday, 11th December attacked the Government Science Secondary Kankara and abducted about 600 students.

On Sunday, Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari while giving an update on the incident disclosed that of the students abducted, 333 are still missing.

However, the presidency later disagreed with the governor, noting that only 10 boys are remaining with the bandits.

Reacting to the entire saga, however, the United Nations submitted that the attack on the school is a grave human rights violation and all abducted students must be safely rescued.

The statement reads: “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the 11 December attack on a secondary school in Katsina State, Nigeria, and the reported abduction of hundreds of boys by suspected armed bandits.

“The Secretary-General calls for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted children and for their safe return to their families. He reiterates that attacks on schools and other educational facilities constitute a grave violation of human rights. He urges the Nigerian authorities to bring those responsible for this act to justice.

“The Secretary-General reaffirms the solidarity and support of the United Nations to the Government and people of Nigeria in their fight against terrorism, violent extremism, and organized crime.”