The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the increasing wave of terrorist attacks targeting schools and educational communities in Nigeria.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric made this known in response to questions from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) regarding recent coordinated assaults on schools across the country.
According to reports, armed groups attacked schools in Oyo State over the weekend, leading to the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers. Two teachers were also reportedly killed during the attacks carried out by suspected terrorist groups.
Dujarric described the situation as alarming, noting that the continued targeting of children and educational institutions by extremist groups has had devastating effects on affected communities.
He also revealed that the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is closely monitoring the security situation in Nigeria, especially following recent joint U.S.-Nigerian military operations against ISIS-linked targets in the country.
The UN spokesperson further stated that the UN system in Nigeria has been actively working with the government to strengthen the protection of schools and improve safety measures for students and teachers in vulnerable regions.
He added that the UN Country Team in Nigeria is collaborating with relevant authorities to enhance school security and ensure learning environments are safer for children, stressing that efforts will continue to support long-term protection strategies in affected areas.
