The United Nations has urged Nigerian authorities to urgently strengthen the protection of civilians and educational institutions following a renewed wave of violent attacks in Niger State and neighbouring areas that reportedly left dozens of people dead and several others abducted.
The appeal was made by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, after armed assailants attacked a crowded market in Kasuwan Daji, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, on January 3. Reports indicate that more than 30 people were killed during the attack, while an unspecified number of victims were abducted. Market stalls and residential buildings were also set ablaze.
Further security incidents were recorded in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, as well as in parts of Kwara and Ondo states, involving cases of killings and kidnappings. The renewed violence has intensified fear among residents already affected by prolonged insecurity across the region.
Agwara Local Government Area has remained a hotspot for attacks on civilian targets. In November 2025, armed groups abducted over 300 people during an attack on Saint Mary’s Catholic School. Although the victims were later released, the incident attracted widespread national and international condemnation and underscored the vulnerability of schools in conflict-affected communities.
Describing the latest attacks as serious human rights violations, the UN official noted that assaults on civilians—particularly women and children—undermine the right to life and disrupt access to education. He warned that continued attacks on schools threaten children’s safety and compromise efforts to keep them in classrooms.
The United Nations expressed condolences to families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. It also called for the immediate release of all abducted persons and urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice in accordance with national and international legal standards.
Reaffirming its position on education in emergencies, the UN reminded Nigeria of its commitment to the Safe Schools Declaration, which seeks to protect schools from military use and violent attacks. It stressed that recent incidents highlight the urgent need to translate these commitments into concrete action.
The UN said it remains ready to work with federal and state authorities to enhance civilian protection and promote safer learning environments amid Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.
