The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for the immediate and safe release of school children and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as threats to education and child protection.
Fall made the request after meeting with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre in Abuja, led by Commandant Dr Samuel Umanah, amid mounting alarm about the kidnapping of students and teachers, as well as the deaths of two educators in separate cases.
Following the discussion, the UN representative voiced worry in a statement made in Abuja on Thursday about the deteriorating security situation affecting schools and learning communities across the country.
The statement went on to say that during the discussion, both sides highlighted the security problems that schools face and expressed solidarity with impacted families, school administrators, and communities.
Gunmen assaulted three schools in Oyo State’s Oriire local government on Friday, May 15, kidnapping schoolchildren, including toddlers, as well as seven teachers.
Over 40 students and teachers were abducted in a coordinated attack at Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esienle, and L.A. Primary School in the state’s Oriire Local Government Area.
During the incident, the gunmen reportedly killed one instructor before beheading another in the jungle.
On a Friday morning, gunmen stormed three schools in Mussa, Borno State, in northeastern Nigeria, abducting around 50 children, the majority of whom were between the ages of two and five.
The kidnappings occurred at the town’s Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Secondary School.
In the statement, the UN resident coordinator mourned the kidnapping, emphasising that the school environment is intended for learning and must be maintained safe at all times.
“The UN Resident Coordinator is deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups. Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target,” he said.
Fall stated that the recent attacks highlight the critical need for more robust measures to protect children, teachers, and educational buildings from violence and instability.
While praising the government’s and security agencies’ continuous efforts to address the problem, he asked authorities to step up operations to ensure the prompt and secure return of all abducted victims.
He also urged those responsible for the attacks and kidnappings to face justice.
The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria underlined the organisation’s commitment to promoting secure, inclusive, and violence-free learning settings.
According to him, defending children’s right to an education is still vital, especially in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities where schools are increasingly being attacked.
Fall also pushed for the complete implementation of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, improved emergency response procedures, and a more efficient data-driven strategy to protect schools and at-risk students across the country.
“The UN’s collective commitment to promoting safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments remains unwavering,” he said.
