The United Nations has called for the immediate and unconditional release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states.
The appeal was made by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, following a meeting in Abuja with officials of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre led by Dr. Samuel Umanah.
In a statement released after the meeting, Fall expressed concern over the growing insecurity affecting schools across the country and its impact on children’s education and safety.
The discussions focused on the recent abductions and attacks on schools, with both parties expressing support for affected families, school authorities and communities.
On May 15, armed men reportedly invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting more than 40 pupils and seven teachers. The affected schools included 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 by the kidnappers in the forest.
A similar incident occurred in Mussa, Borno State, where gunmen attacked three schools and abducted more than 50 children, many of them between the ages of two and five. The victims were taken from Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School and SUBEB Secondary School.
Reacting to the incidents, Fall stressed that schools should remain safe spaces for learning and not become targets of violence.
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“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 highlight the urgent need for stronger protection measures for students, teachers and educational facilities nationwide.
While acknowledging efforts by security agencies and government authorities, the UN official urged them to intensify rescue operations to ensure the safe return of all victims and bring those responsible for the attacks to justice.
Fall also reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations to supporting initiatives aimed at creating safe and inclusive learning environments across Nigeria.
According to him, protecting children’s access to education is especially important in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities where schools increasingly face security threats.
He further called for the full implementation of safe school standards, stronger emergency response systems and improved data-driven strategies to better protect schools and children at risk.
“The UN’s collective commitment to promoting safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments remains unwavering,” he added.