OCHA reports 48 attacks on schools in first half of 2024 in NW, SW.

The figures were published in a statement on August 19. This was as part of activities to celebrate this year’s edition of the World Humanitarian Day. 

According to the statement, an estimated number of 48 attacks have been carried out in schools between January and June 2024 by armed groups.

The situation, OCHA said, has created so much instability in the lives of the people, thus affecting children's right to education.

Also, the organisation said separatist fighters on February 11, 2024 detonated an explosive device at the Nkambe field while children were marching. The incident, OCHA said, led to the death of one person, injuring several others.

The UN agency, in the same report, equally indicated that some 18 attacks were also perpetrated on healthcare facilities during this same period. It should be said before now other attacks have been carried out in schools in the two regions.

Many recall the October 2020 incident when armed separatists targeted and attacked the Mother Francisca International Bilingual Academy in Kumba, Meme Division of the South West Region. The incident led to the death of eight students.

Similarly, in February 2022, suspected separatist fighters are said to have equally attacked a school in Molylo, destroying properties. 

Since the outbreak of the conflict in 2017 in the two English-speaking regions, reports reveal that over 700,000 children have not been able to go to school with millions of others displaced to other regions and neighbouring countries.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3210 of Monday August 26, 2024