The United Nations has urged the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action to protect civilians and educational institutions following a surge of violent attacks in Niger State and neighbouring areas. Mohamed Fall, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, made the appeal on Wednesday while responding to the January 3 assault on a crowded market in Kasuwan Daji, Borgu Local Government Area. Reports indicate that more than 30 people were killed during the attack, while an unspecified number were abducted by gunmen. Market stalls and nearby homes were set ablaze, compounding the humanitarian toll on the local community and leaving residents reeling from both physical destruction and psychological trauma.
In addition to Borgu, other security incidents were reported in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, as well as parts of Kwara and Ondo states, involving targeted killings and kidnappings. These attacks have fueled fear and anxiety among residents, many of whom have lived under persistent insecurity and displacement for years. Witnesses told local authorities that families have been forced to relocate multiple times, while small businesses and farms have suffered losses, exacerbating economic hardship and disrupting basic livelihoods. Local security sources describe the ongoing violence as part of a broader trend of escalating attacks in northern and central Nigeria.
Agwara has long been identified as a flashpoint for violence targeting civilians. In November 2025, armed groups attacked Saint Mary’s Catholic School in the area, abducting over 300 people, many of whom were students and staff. While all hostages were later released, the incident drew widespread national and international condemnation and highlighted the vulnerability of schools in conflict-affected regions. Observers have warned that repeated attacks on education infrastructure undermine the safety and stability of entire communities and may have long-term effects on children’s access to learning.
Speaking on the recent wave of attacks, Mohamed Fall described them as grave violations of human rights, emphasizing that violence against civilians, particularly women and children, erodes fundamental protections and hinders development. “Continued assaults on schools and marketplaces not only endanger students, teachers, and families but also restrict access to education and economic opportunities, particularly in communities already affected by fragility,” Fall said. He underscored the broader societal costs of such attacks, noting that children may miss years of schooling and communities face prolonged disruption to daily life.
Fall also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted individuals, stressing that Nigerian authorities must ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice in accordance with national law and international human rights standards. The UN’s statement extended condolences to families who lost loved ones during the attacks and wished a swift recovery to those injured. Fall further highlighted the ripple effects of insecurity, noting that repeated attacks on civilians create lasting trauma and weaken the social fabric of affected communities.
The United Nations reminded the Nigerian government of its commitments under the Safe Schools Declaration, a global agreement aimed at protecting schools and preventing the military or violent use of educational facilities. According to the UN, the recent attacks illustrate the urgent need to translate such commitments into tangible protection measures. Fall emphasized that safeguarding educational institutions is critical not only to protect students and staff but also to uphold the broader right to education, which remains a cornerstone of sustainable development in fragile regions.
The UN offered continued support to both federal and state authorities in Nigeria to strengthen civilian protection mechanisms and promote safer learning environments. “We remain ready to assist in implementing measures that can reduce the risk to children, teachers, and communities, and ensure that schools can operate safely even amid ongoing security challenges,” Fall stated. The organisation indicated that collaboration with local authorities, humanitarian actors, and civil society groups would be key to achieving these objectives.
Humanitarian workers and residents described the psychological and material impact of the attacks on affected communities. Families recounted fleeing homes with little more than the clothes on their backs, while children have been forced to abandon classrooms and face prolonged interruptions to their education. In Kasuwan Daji, survivors described the scene of burned market stalls and destroyed homes as devastating, leaving both economic and emotional scars. Humanitarian agencies have highlighted the urgent need for psychosocial support and emergency aid to help displaced populations recover.
The wave of violence also poses challenges to broader efforts to maintain security and stability in the region. Analysts warn that repeated attacks on civilians and schools risk creating cycles of fear, displacement, and social instability, while complicating efforts to implement effective security measures. The UN has called for a coordinated approach that combines protection of civilians, law enforcement, and community engagement to prevent further violence and restore public confidence in local authorities.