The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, has called for stronger protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure, and schools following a series of deadly attacks in Niger State, north-central Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Fall described the attacks as grave violations of human rights, including the right to life, and said they disproportionately affect women and children while undermining access to education.
According to reports, more than 30 people were killed on January 3 when armed assailants attacked a village market in Kasuwan Daji, Borgu Local Government Area (LGA) of Niger State. An unspecified number of people were abducted during the attack, while market stalls and nearby homes were set ablaze.
Additional incidents were reported in Agwara LGA of Niger State, as well as in parts of Kwara and Ondo states, resulting in further casualties, including deaths and kidnappings.
Agwara LGA was also the site of a previous mass abduction in November 2025, when more than 300 people were kidnapped during an attack on Saint Mary’s Catholic School. The victims were later released.
“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,” Fall said.
He called for the immediate release of all abducted persons and urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable in line with national and international human rights standards.
Fall stressed the need to protect students, schools, and education personnel from attacks, noting that no child should be placed at risk while pursuing education.
Education is a fundamental right, and schools must remain safe spaces, even in contexts of insecurity, he added.
The UN recalled that in November 2025 it reiterated the importance of implementing the Safe Schools Declaration in Nigeria to preserve the civilian nature of schools and protect children’s access to learning.
“These recent attacks underscore the urgent need for action,” the statement said.
The United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to working with Nigerian authorities to strengthen civilian protection and promote safer learning environments across affected communities.