Suspected bandits have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school in Niger State after attacking a farm where the pupils were helping their teacher harvest maize.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Tungan-Bako village in Rafi Local Government Area, near Pandogari.
The students were reportedly working on their teacher’s farm when armed men stormed the area and took them away.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the abduction on Monday, November 2, while clarifying that 14 students were taken, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that 50 people had been kidnapped.
The police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the command received information about the attack and confirmed that the victims were students of an Islamiya school who had accompanied their Mallam to harvest maize.
In his statement, Abiodun explained that suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and abducted several people working on the farm.
He added that joint security operatives had commenced rescue operations to secure the victims’ release.
The police spokesperson assured residents that further information would be communicated as the operation progressed.
OPPOSITION CRITICISES GOVERNOR OVER SECURITY SITUATION
Meanwhile, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, has criticised Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago over the worsening security situation in the state.
Vatsa accused the governor of concentrating on political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election while residents continued to face threats from armed groups.
He also alleged that security agencies in the state lacked adequate operational vehicles and essential equipment to respond effectively to attacks.
According to him, government responses have largely involved issuing statements condemning attacks and expressing condolences to affected families, rather than implementing effective measures to prevent further incidents.
Vatsa called for more decisive action to protect lives and property across the state.
SECURITY OPERATIONS UNDERWAY
The latest abduction has renewed concerns about the safety of residents in rural communities across Niger State, particularly in areas repeatedly affected by bandit attacks.
The incident is also a reminder of the growing security challenges facing farming communities, where attacks and kidnappings continue to threaten livelihoods and disrupt agricultural activities.
Security operatives are currently working to rescue the abducted students. However, as of the latest police statement, there was no official confirmation that any of the victims had regained their freedom.
Authorities have yet to provide further details about the identities of the attackers or whether any ransom demands have been made.
