The United Nations has appealed for the prompt and safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as a serious threat to education and child safety in Nigeria.
The appeal was made by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, following a meeting in Abuja with officials of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre led by Dr. Samuel Umanah.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Fall expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity affecting schools across the country and extended solidarity to the victims, their families, school authorities and affected communities.
According to him, the continued captivity of the pupils and teachers is distressing and unacceptable.
“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.
The concern comes in the wake of the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers from three schools in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
The victims were reportedly taken from Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community High School in Ahoro-Esienle, and L.A. Primary School. During the attack, one teacher was killed, while another was later murdered by the kidnappers.
A similar incident occurred in Mussa, Borno State, where armed men reportedly stormed three schools and abducted more than 50 children, most of whom were between the ages of two and five years.
Fall noted that the attacks highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to protect schools, students and teachers from violence.
“These incidents underscore the need for enhanced efforts to safeguard educational institutions and ensure that children can learn in a secure environment,” he stated.
While acknowledging ongoing rescue efforts by security agencies and government authorities, the UN official urged stakeholders to intensify actions aimed at securing the victims’ freedom and ensuring accountability for those behind the attacks.
“Those responsible for these attacks must be brought to justice, while every possible effort should be made to secure the safe return of the abducted children and teachers,” he added.
The UN coordinator also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe and inclusive learning environments across Nigeria, especially in conflict-affected communities where schools have increasingly come under attack.
He further advocated the implementation of Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, improved emergency response systems and the adoption of data-driven strategies to better protect vulnerable children and educational facilities.
“The UN’s collective commitment to promoting safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments remains unwavering,” Fall said.
