The United Nations has voiced deep concern over the recurring terrorist attacks on schools in Nigeria, stressing the urgent need to protect children and educational institutions.
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric spoke to our correspondence highlighting coordinated attacks over the weekend in Oyo State, during which dozens of students and teachers were reportedly abducted. Two teachers were also killed in the assaults.
“We are very concerned. The persistent attacks on children and educational facilities by extremist groups have devastating effects on communities,” Dujarric said.
He further noted that UN Secretary-General António Guterres is closely monitoring terrorist activities in Nigeria, especially following recent joint U.S.-Nigerian military operations targeting ISIS cells in the country.
The UN country team in Nigeria has been collaborating with the government to strengthen the safety of schools, implementing measures to protect students and staff. “We continue to work with local authorities to make schools safer and support communities affected by these attacks,” Dujarric added.
The UN reaffirmed its commitment to assist Nigeria in addressing the security challenges facing educational institutions and ensuring children can learn in safe environments.
