UN calls for release of abducted students and teachers in Oyo and Borno states

Mohamed Malick Fall, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, has urged the immediate and safe release of students and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states. He described these incidents as threats to education and child protection. Fall's call followed a meeting with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre in Abuja, led by Commandant, Dr Samuel Umanah. The UN official expressed concern over the worsening security situation affecting schools across the country. On May 15, gunmen attacked three schools in Orire local government in Oyo State, kidnapping over 40 school children, including toddlers, and seven teachers. One teacher was reportedly killed during the attack, and another was later beheaded. In Mussa, Borno State, gunmen attacked three schools on a Friday morning, abducting over 50 children, mostly between two and five years old. Fall emphasized that schools must remain safe havens for learning and that children should never be targets. He noted that the recent attacks highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to protect children, teachers, and educational facilities. While acknowledging government efforts, he urged authorities to intensify actions for the swift and safe return of all abducted victims and to bring those responsible to justice. The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator reaffirmed the United Nations system’s commitment in Nigeria to supporting initiatives that pro