The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has condemned the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo and Borno States, which resulted in the killing of two educators.
In a statement issued in Abuja on June 4, 2026, Fall expressed deep concern over the attacks, noting that some school children and 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,” the statement read.
Fall welcomed the UN’s engagement with the delegation of the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, led by Commandant Samuel Umamah, during a meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. The meeting discussed the situation and expressed solidarity with affected families, school authorities, and communities.
MUST READ: Israel Trains Nigerian Entrepreneurs in AI Bootcamp
The UN official acknowledged ongoing efforts by the government and security agencies but called for more action to ensure the safe return of all abducted children and teachers and for perpetrators to be brought to justice.
He stressed the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children, educators, and learning spaces. Fall reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to promoting safe, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments and upholding children’s right to education in safety and dignity.
The statement called for full and diligent implementation of the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, strengthened emergency response mechanisms, and an efficient data-driven approach to protecting schools and vulnerable children.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
