The United Nations has called for the immediate and safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states, warning that violence against schools threatens children’s right to education and safety.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, condemned the kidnappings, which also resulted in the deaths of two educators. He described the incidents as a grave violation of children’s rights and urged authorities to intensify efforts to secure learning institutions across the country.
“The recent incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children, educators and learning environments,” Mr Fall said. “Schools and other educational institutions should remain safe environments for learning and must not become targets of violence and intimidation.”
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government and security agencies, Mr Fall said more action was needed to secure the release of those still being held and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice. He stressed that children should never become victims of armed conflict or criminal activities, warning that attacks on schools endanger lives and undermine national development.
The UN also urged the full implementation of Nigeria’s Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, stronger emergency response systems and increased use of data-driven measures to identify threats facing schools and vulnerable children. The appeal followed a meeting in Abuja between UN officials and representatives of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, during which the organisation expressed solidarity with affected families, school authorities and communities impacted by the abductions.
