UN calls for release of kidnapped students and teachers in Oyo and Borno

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has asked for the quick and safe release of students and teachers taken in recent attacks in Oyo and Borno states.

Fall spoke after meeting with a group from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre in Abuja, led by Dr Samuel Umanah.

In a statement on Thursday, the UN official showed worry about the rising insecurity affecting schools and learning areas across the country. He said these attacks are a threat to education and child safety.

The meeting looked at the security problems facing schools and showed support for affected families, school leaders, and communities.

In Oyo State, gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15. They took more than 40 pupils and seven teachers. The schools involved were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School. Sadly, two teachers were killed during this attack.

A similar event happened in Mussa, Borno State, where gunmen raided three schools and kidnapped over 40 children, mostly aged between two and five years.

Fall called the abductions very troubling. He emphasized that schools should be safe places for learning.
“Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target,” he said.

He urged authorities to step up efforts to ensure the safe return of all those abducted and to make sure that those responsible face justice.

Fall also confirmed the UN’s promise to support safe, inclusive, and violence-free learning spaces. He pushed for better implementation of safe school standards and improved emergency response plans to protect children and schools.