By Uzair Adam
The United Nations has expressed concern over the recurring attacks on schools by terrorist groups in Nigeria.
UN Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, stated this while responding to questions from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) regarding the recent coordinated assaults on schools across the country.
According to NAN, armed groups attacked schools in Oyo State over the weekend, with dozens of students and teachers reportedly abducted during the incident.
Two teachers were also said to have been killed by the attackers.
“We are, of course, very concerned. We have continued to witness attacks on children and educational institutions in Nigeria by extremist groups,” Dujarric said.
He noted that the attacks continue to have devastating effects on affected communities.
Dujarric further disclosed that the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, is also worried about the growing activities of terrorist groups in parts of Nigeria, especially following recent joint U.S.-Nigerian military strikes targeting ISIS hideouts.
The UN spokesperson added that the organisation, through its country team in Nigeria, has been supporting efforts aimed at improving the safety of schools and protecting students from repeated attacks.
“The UN country team in Nigeria, across its various agencies, has been working closely with the government in affected areas to strengthen school safety and ensure better protection for students,” he said.
He added that the UN would continue collaborating with authorities to address the security challenges facing schools in the country.
