The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for stronger protection of civilians, civilian spaces, and schools following a spate of violent attacks in Niger State and other parts of the country.
In a statement, Fall expressed deep concern over an attack on January 3 in Kasuwan Daji village market, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where more than 30 people were reportedly killed and an unspecified number abducted. According to reports, the attackers also set market stalls and nearby homes ablaze.
He noted that other troubling incidents had been recorded in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, as well as in parts of Kwara and Ondo States, with scores of casualties, including deaths and kidnappings.
Agwara LGA was previously the scene of a major abduction in November 2025, when more than 300 people were kidnapped following an attack on Saint Mary’s Catholic School. Although the victims were later released, the incident underscored the growing vulnerability of schools and civilian communities.
Fall described the attacks as grave violations of human rights, including the right to life and the obligation to protect civilians, particularly women and children. He stressed that such violence also undermines the right to education.
“On behalf of the United Nations, I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones and wish the injured a swift recovery,” he said, while calling for the immediate release of all abducted persons and urging authorities to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable in line with national and international human rights standards.
The UN official emphasised that students, schools, and education personnel must be protected from any form of attack, noting that no child should ever be placed at risk while pursuing education, which he described as a fundamental right.
He recalled that in November 2025, the United Nations reiterated the need for Nigeria to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration to safeguard the civilian nature of schools and ensure that children can continue learning safely even in situations of conflict and insecurity. According to him, the recent attacks highlight the urgency of translating these commitments into concrete action.
Fall reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to working closely with government authorities to strengthen the protection of civilians and promote safer learning environments across the country.
