The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for the immediate and safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states.
Fall made the call after meeting with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre in Abuja, led by Dr Samuel Umanah.
In a statement on Thursday, the UN official expressed concern over the growing insecurity affecting schools and learning communities across the country, describing the attacks as a threat to education and child protection.
The meeting reviewed security challenges facing schools and conveyed solidarity with affected families, school authorities and communities.
In Oyo State, gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted more than 40 pupils and seven teachers on May 15.
The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School. Two teachers were killed during the incident.
A similar attack occurred in Mussa, Borno State, where gunmen stormed three schools and abducted over 40 children, most of them between two and five years old.
Fall described the abductions as deeply disturbing, stressing that schools should remain safe places for learning.
“Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target,” he said.
He urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure the safe return of all abducted victims and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Fall also reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments, while advocating stronger implementation of safe school standards and improved emergency response mechanisms to protect children and educational facilities.
