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, warning that the incidents threaten education and child protection efforts in the country.
Fall made the appeal following a meeting in Abuja with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre led by Commandant Samuel Umanah, amid growing concern over attacks on schools, abductions of learners and teachers, and the killing of educators in separate incidents.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the UN official expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation affecting schools and learning communities across Nigeria.
He said discussions during the meeting centred on the challenges confronting educational institutions, while also extending solidarity to affected families, school authorities, and communities.
On May 15, gunmen reportedly attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, 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.
One teacher was reportedly killed during the attack, while another was later beheaded by the kidnappers in the forest.
In a separate incident in Mussa, Borno State, armed men attacked three schools and abducted more than 50 children, most of them between the ages of two and five.
The affected schools included Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School, and SUBEB Secondary School.
Reacting to the incidents, Fall stressed that schools must remain secure environments dedicated to learning and not become targets of violence.
“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 attacks underscore the urgent need for stronger protection measures for children, teachers, and educational facilities across the country.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by the government and security agencies to secure the release of the victims, Fall urged authorities to intensify actions to ensure their swift and safe return and bring those responsible to justice.
The UN official also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting safe, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments across Nigeria.
According to him, safeguarding children’s right to education is particularly important in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities where schools increasingly face security threats.
Fall further called for the full implementation of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, stronger emergency response systems, and improved data-driven strategies for protecting schools and vulnerable children.
“The UN’s collective commitment to promoting safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments remains unwavering,” he added.
