UNICEF Demands Urgent Release of 78 Abducted Borno Schoolchildren

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Borno State and Federal Governments to intensify efforts to secure the release of 78 schoolchildren abducted from Mussa and Lassa communities in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of the state.

UNICEF Nigeria Deputy Representative, Dr Rownak Khan, made the call on Wednesday during a media briefing in Maiduguri to commemorate the 2026 World Humanitarian Day.

Khan expressed concern over the rising abduction of children in Borno and across Nigeria, stressing that schools should remain safe environments where children can learn and grow.

She said UNICEF was working with the Borno State Government to strengthen safe-school protocols and called on all relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of the abducted children.

Khan also assured that UNICEF would support the government with psychosocial assistance, healthcare, nutrition and reintegration services once the children are released.

The 78 children were abducted in two separate attacks. On May 15, suspected insurgents abducted 42 pupils from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School.

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On June 29, another attack on Government Day Secondary School in Lassa led to the abduction of 36 students and one teacher.

UNICEF urged the authorities to make every effort to bring the abducted children back safely to their families.