By Abigail David

The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Malick Fall, has called for the immediate and safe release of pupils and teachers abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states.

Fall made the appeal following a meeting in Abuja with a delegation from the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre, led by Dr. Samuel Umanah, amid growing concerns over attacks on educational institutions and the safety of schoolchildren.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the UN official expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation affecting schools and learning communities across Nigeria.

The meeting focused on security challenges facing educational institutions, while both parties expressed solidarity with affected families, school authorities and communities.

In Oyo State, gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area on May 15, abducting more than 40 pupils, including toddlers, alongside seven teachers. The affected schools were Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community High School, Ahoro-Esienle; and L.A. Primary School.

Reports indicated that one teacher was killed during the attack, while another was later murdered in captivity.

A similar incident occurred in Mussa, Borno State, where armed men reportedly attacked three schools and abducted more than 50 children, most of them between the ages of two and five. The affected institutions included Government Day Secondary School, Mussa Central Primary School and SUBEB Secondary School.

Describing the attacks as unacceptable, Fall stressed that schools should remain safe environments for learning.

“The UN Resident Coordinator is deeply saddened that these school children and their teachers are still being held by armed groups. Schools must remain safe havens for learning and not places of fear. Children should never be a target,” he said.

He noted that the incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger measures to protect children, teachers and educational facilities from violence and insecurity.

While acknowledging efforts by government authorities and security agencies, Fall urged them to intensify operations aimed at securing the safe return of all abducted victims and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice.

He also reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting initiatives that promote safe, inclusive and violence-free learning environments across Nigeria.

According to him, protecting children’s right to education remains essential, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities where schools increasingly face security threats.

Fall further advocated the full implementation of Minimum Standards for Safe Schools, stronger emergency response systems and improved data-driven strategies to protect schools and at-risk children nationwide.

The Lawyers Forum of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Mikang Local Government Area of Plateau State has called on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to uphold the emergence of Hon. Timdi Nkat as the party’s candidate for the Mikang State Constituency seat in the Plateau State House of Assembly.

In a statement signed by Barr. Chasel Drenkat, the forum urged the APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, and the NWC to respect what it described as the clear wishes of party members following repeated electoral exercises in the area. The group said multiple rounds of primaries and rerun exercises consistently produced the same outcome in favour of Nkat, despite controversies that led to cancellations in some wards.

It explained that a supplementary election was conducted in affected areas, including Piapung A, Piapung B, Tunkus, and Lalin wards, although disruptions reportedly prevented full participation in some locations.The forum alleged that electoral officials and security personnel were attacked in Piapung by suspected thugs, resulting in injuries and disruptions to the process.

Despite the challenges, the group insisted that Hon. Timdi Nkat emerged victorious, describing his success as a reflection of the will of party members in Mikang. It added that the outcome of the various electoral exercises showed consistency and should be upheld to strengthen internal democracy within the APC.

The stakeholders also argued that supporting Nkat’s emergence would promote fairness and political balance within Mikang Local Government Area, noting that Garkawa District has yet to produce a member of the Plateau State House of Assembly since the creation of the area.

The forum commended electoral officials and security agencies for their conduct during the exercise and expressed confidence in the party leadership. It urged the APC NWC to respect the mandate as it stands, saying doing so would reinforce unity, justice, and public confidence in the party ahead of future elections.

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Leader of the Kaduna State 2026 Hajj delegation, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha, has described this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia as the best Hajj experience he has had since performing his first pilgrimage 45 years ago.

Mustapha, a former Head of Service in Kaduna State, made the remarks during a visit to Kaduna pilgrims at their accommodation in Makkah, according to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa.

He said he first performed Hajj in 1981 and also served as Amirul Hajj for Kaduna State in 1999. He commended the management of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, led by Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, for conducting what he described as a transparent and hitch-free exercise.Mustapha noted that the delegation had not received reports of misconduct among Kaduna pilgrims and urged them to remain disciplined and comply with Saudi regulations as preparations begin for their return to Nigeria.

Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, praised pilgrims for their cooperation throughout the exercise and appealed for continued compliance during the return process.He informed pilgrims that Saudi authorities, with the approval of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), have introduced strict baggage regulations.

According to him, each pilgrim is allowed two checked bags weighing no more than 23 kilograms each and one piece of hand luggage not exceeding 8 kilograms.Salihu said the measures are aimed at ensuring a smooth and timely departure process from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and urged pilgrims to comply with the guidelines.