**Iranian Schoolgirls Fall Victim to Devastating Strike Amid Global Conflict** Last weekend, a somber mood descended upon the southern Iranian city of Minab as 165 schoolgirls and staff members were laid to rest in a mass funeral. The tragic incident occurred during the first day of a joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran. This devastating incident marks the deadliest attack so far in the ongoing conflict. The city of Minab is a quiet, peaceful community far from the bustling streets of Lagos or Abuja, but the news sent shockwaves across the globe. The international community is still grappling with the implications of such a heinous act. UNESCO and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai have condemned the attack, highlighting the severity of deliberately targeting educational institutions. As the world grapples with this crisis, it cannot help but draw parallels with the ongoing conflicts in other regions, like the Middle East, where civilian lives are often caught in the crossfire. The attack on a school, an institution meant to nurture young minds and foster hope, raises questions about the value placed on human life. According to international humanitarian law, deliberately targeting schools, hospitals, or other civilian structures is considered a war crime. The Iranian government has called out the US and Israel for their actions, stating that these countries have been targeting residential areas, including hospitals, schools, and cultural monuments, without regard for human life. As Nigeria navigates its own security challenges, including Boko Haram's insurgency and banditry in the north, the international community must come together to condemn such heinous acts and demand accountability. The loss of young lives in Minab is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the importance of protecting civilians in conflict zones. Ultimately, the mass funeral in Minab serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. As we mourn the loss of these young lives, we must also reflect on our collective responsibility to promote peace and protect the vulnerable.