UN Resident Coordinator Calls for Immediate Release of Abducted School Children and Teachers 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 school children and teachers abducted in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as threats to education and child protection. 

Fall made the call following a meeting with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre in Abuja, led by Commandant Dr Samuel Umanah, amid growing concern over the abduction of pupils and teachers and the killing of two educators in separate incidents. In a statement issued on Thursday, the UN official expressed concern over the worsening security situation affecting schools and learning communities across the country.

Fall noted that the recent attacks underscore the urgent need for stronger measures to protect children, teachers, and educational facilities from violence and insecurity, and while acknowledging ongoing efforts by the government and security agencies, he urged authorities to intensify actions aimed at securing the swift and safe return of all abducted victims. 

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He also called for those responsible for the attacks and abductions to be brought to justice. The UN official reaffirmed the United Nations system’s commitment in Nigeria to supporting initiatives that promote safe, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments, adding that protecting children’s right to education remains critical, particularly in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities where schools have increasingly become targets.