The United Nations expresses alarm over militant raids targeting educational institutions in Nigeria

The United Nations has expressed concern over the recurring terrorist attacks on schools in Nigeria, with UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stating this in response to a query from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) regarding the recent coordinated attacks on multiple schools in the country.

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NAN reports that over the weekend, armed groups launched attacks on schools in Oyo State, resulting in the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and their teachers, as well as the reported killing of two teachers by suspected terrorist groups.

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Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the UN's concern, saying "We’re, of course, very concerned" and highlighting the devastating impact of continued attacks on children and places of education in Nigeria by extremist groups.

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According to Dujarric, the attacks have a devastating impact on the communities, and the UN is taking note of the continued violence.

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The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is also concerned about the activities of terrorists in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the wake of recent joint U.S.-Nigerian military strikes on ISIS targets in the country.

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The UN system in Nigeria has been providing support to strengthen the protection of schools from recurring attacks, with the UN country team working closely with the Government in the impacted region.

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As part of its efforts, the UN country team in Nigeria is working to find ways to support and strengthen schools, making them safer for students, and this work will continue, according to Dujarric.