At least 20 people, including four pregnant women and several children, were kidnapped by bandits during another violent attack in Niger State.
The victims, mostly farmers, were seized on Wednesday, November 26, around 4 p.m. while harvesting rice at Unguwan-Kawo in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area.
A local resident, who spoke anonymously to Daily Trust, revealed that his nephew was among those abducted. He added that the farm is located just 500 metres from Erena town, where a military camp is stationed, raising concerns about the security response.
The Niger State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the report would be verified.
This latest assault comes barely six days after over 200 students, pupils, and staff were abducted from St. Mary’s Secondary and Primary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA. The Papiri attack reportedly occurred during school hours, with armed assailants arriving in large numbers, forcing teachers and students to flee while others were loaded into vehicles or taken on motorcycles.
The Papiri raid caused widespread panic, prompting parents and community members to rush to the school in a desperate search for the missing children. On Sunday, school authorities confirmed that at least 50 of the abducted pupils had been safely returned.
The recent spate of kidnappings underscores the worsening insecurity in Nigeria and the urgent need for coordinated measures to tackle banditry and protect vulnerable communities.
What do you think is the most effective way to combat bandit attacks in Nigeria? Share your thoughts in the comments.
