School Abductions: UN Urges Swift Rescue of Victims, Stronger School Security

The United Nations (UN) has expressed deep concern over the recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, calling for the immediate and safe release of all those held captive.

The global body also urged Nigerian authorities to strengthen efforts aimed at securing schools across the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, condemned the attacks, which also led to the killing of two educators. He described the incidents as a serious violation of children’s rights to education and safety.
Fall said the continued captivity of the pupils and their teachers remains deeply disturbing.
According to him, schools and other educational institutions should remain safe environments for learning and must not become targets of violence and intimidation.
“The recent incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children, educators and learning environments,” he said.
The UN official acknowledged the efforts already being made by the Nigerian government and security agencies to tackle the situation. However, he stressed that additional measures are required to ensure the prompt return of all abductees and the prosecution of those responsible for the attacks.
He emphasized that children should never be victims of armed conflict or criminal activities, noting that attacks on schools endanger lives and undermine the future of communities and national development.
Fall reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments across Nigeria.
He also stressed the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring access to education in conditions that guarantee safety and dignity.
The UN further called for the full implementation of Nigeria’s Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, stronger emergency response mechanisms, and greater use of data-driven approaches to identify and address threats facing schools and vulnerable children.
The remarks followed a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday between the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre led by Commandant Samuel Umanah.
The meeting focused on the worsening security challenges affecting schools and provided an opportunity for the United Nations to express solidarity with affected families, school authorities and communities dealing with the trauma caused by the abductions.