Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The United Nations (UN) has called for an immediate action to secure the release of students and teachers kidnapped by armed groups in Nigeria, pointing out that schools must remain safe spaces for learning and development.
The appeal was made by Mr. Malick Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, during a meeting in Abuja with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, headed by its Commandant, Dr. Samuel Umanah.
The discussions focused on recent school abductions and efforts to support affected families, educational institutions, and communities in Oyo and Borno states.
Fall expressed concern about the continued captivity of the victims and condemned the violence, which has already resulted in the deaths of two teachers during the incidents.
He added that the attacks underscore the increasing threats faced by children, teachers, and educational environments across the country.
According to him, protecting children’s right to access education in a secure and dignified setting must remain a national priority.
He urged authorities to fully implement the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, strengthen emergency response systems, and adopt data-driven strategies to improve school security.
“We are 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. These incidents underscore the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children, educators and learning spaces”, Fall said.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts by government authorities and security agencies to address the situation, the UN official called for intensified measures to ensure the safe and speedy return of all abducted students and teachers.
He also called on authorities to ensure that those responsible for the attacks are brought to justice and to strengthen measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.