Abducted schoolchildren remain in captivity as the UN calls for their immediate and safe release following attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for the immediate and safe release of schoolchildren and teachers abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states, warning that the incidents pose a serious threat to education and child protection.

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Mohamed Malick 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 concern over the kidnapping of pupils and teachers as well as the killing of two educators in separate attacks.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the UN official expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation affecting schools and learning communities across Nigeria.

According to the statement, discussions during the meeting focused on the security challenges confronting educational institutions, while both parties expressed solidarity with affected families, school authorities and local communities.

The concern follows attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15, during which gunmen abducted more than 40 schoolchildren and seven teachers.

The affected institutions were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School. Reports indicate that one teacher was killed during the attack, while another was later murdered in captivity.

In a separate incident in Mussa, Borno State, armed attackers reportedly stormed three schools and abducted more than 50 children, most of them aged between two and five years.

The affected schools included Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School and State Universal Basic Education Board Secondary School.

Speaking on the continued captivity of the victims, Mohamed Malick Fall described the situation as deeply troubling.

“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.

The UN official noted that the attacks 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, he urged them to intensify operations aimed at securing the swift and safe return of the Abducted Schoolchildren and their teachers.

Mohamed Malick Fall also called for those responsible for the attacks to be identified and prosecuted, stressing the importance of accountability in deterring future assaults on educational institutions.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the United Nations system in Nigeria to supporting initiatives that promote safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments.

According to him, protecting children’s right to education remains essential, particularly in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities where schools have increasingly become targets of criminal and insurgent attacks.

The UN official further advocated the full implementation of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, stronger emergency response systems and a more effective data-driven approach to safeguarding schools and vulnerable children across the country.