By Abigail David
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for the immediate and safe release of pupils and teachers abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states.
Fall made the appeal following a meeting in Abuja with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, led by Dr. Samuel Umanah, amid growing concerns over attacks on educational institutions and the safety of schoolchildren.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the UN official expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation affecting schools and learning communities across Nigeria.
The meeting focused on security challenges facing educational institutions, while both parties expressed solidarity with affected families, school authorities and communities.
In Oyo State, gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, abducting more than 40 pupils, including toddlers, alongside seven teachers. The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School.
Reports indicated that one teacher was killed during the attack, while another was later murdered in captivity.
A similar incident occurred in Mussa, Borno State, where armed men reportedly attacked three schools and abducted more than 50 children, most of them between the ages of two and five. The affected institutions included Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School and SUBEB Secondary School.
Describing the attacks as unacceptable, Fall stressed that schools should remain safe environments for learning.
“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.
He noted that the incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to protect children, teachers and educational facilities from violence and insecurity.
While acknowledging efforts by government authorities and security agencies, Fall urged them to intensify operations aimed at securing the safe return of all abducted victims and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.
He also reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments across Nigeria.
According to him, protecting children’s right to education remains essential, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities where schools increasingly face security threats.
Fall further advocated the full implementation of Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, stronger emergency response systems and improved data-driven strategies to protect schools and at-risk children nationwide.
