UN chief calls for immediate release of abducted schoolgirls in Nigeria

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday condemned the recent abduction of schoolgirls in Nigeria and called for their immediate release.

"The secretary-general condemns the shocking mass abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno state, north-eastern Nigeria on 14 April," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesperson. "He calls for the immediate release of all the girls abducted and their safe return to their families."

More than 100 teenage girls were abducted Monday in northeastern Nigeria by suspected Boko Haram members, said local sources.

The victims were taken from the Girls College in Chibok Town in the Northern Borno state, said Lawan Tanko, the local police chief. He said law enforcement agents are investigating the abduction and strategies are being mapped out to rescue the teenagers, but declined to give further details.

The UN chief also said in the statement he is deeply alarmed about the increasing frequency and brutality of attacks against educational institutions in the north of the country.

"The targeting of schools and school children is a grave violation of international humanitarian law," Ban noted. "Schools are, and must remain, safe places where children can learn and grow in peace."

About two months ago, more than 40 government college students were slain in Buni Yadi of the country's neighboring Yobe State.

The three northeastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe have witnessed several attacks by Boko Haram, a major security threat in Nigeria. The states are currently declared under a 12-month emergency rule.