The United Nations has strongly condemned the abduction of hundreds of students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Niger State on Friday.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric described the attack as “heartbreaking” and stressed that “schools must be safe places for learning.”
This kidnapping comes shortly after a similar incident in Kebbi State. The Christian Association of Nigeria reported that gunmen abducted 215 students and 12 teachers from the school in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
“We have witnessed yet another abduction of pupils in Niger State, just days after the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Kebbi,” Dujarric said.
Earlier this week, armed assailants kidnapped at least 25 students and killed a teacher during an attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
The UN spokesperson added, “We join UNICEF and the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mohamed Malick Fall, in expressing deep sympathy to the families and communities affected. Every effort must now focus on ensuring the children’s safe and immediate return.”
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Dujarric also highlighted that these recurring attacks underscore the urgent need to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration, which sets out practical measures to protect schools and universities and ensure students’ access to education during conflict.
In response to the abduction, the News Agency of Nigeria reported that the Federal Government has ordered the closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges. The Federal Ministry of Education explained in a circular on Friday that the measure is aimed at preventing further security breaches in light of recent challenges.