Fourteen Islamic school students and their teacher have been abducted by suspected bandits while harvesting maize on a farm in Niger State, prompting a joint security operation to rescue the victims.
The abduction occurred on October 31 at Tungan-Bako village in Rafi Local Government Area, where the students were reportedly assisting their Mallam with the harvest.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, dismissing reports that 50 students had been kidnapped.
Police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, said the victims were about 14 students of an Islamiya school who were working on the farm when the attackers struck.
“On 31/10/2026 at about 12.30 pm, suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village via Rafi LGA and abducted some persons working on the farm,” Abiodun said.
He added that joint security teams had commenced rescue operations.
“However, joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated,” he said.
The latest abduction has also drawn criticism from the opposition in the state, with the spokesman for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jonathan Vatsa, condemning Governor Mohammed Bago’s handling of the security situation.
Vatsa accused the governor of prioritising electioneering over the protection of lives and property, alleging that security agencies lacked the operational vehicles and equipment needed to confront the attacks.
“The government is only there to issue statements either condemning every attack or condoling with the people over the death of their loved ones without any cogent step to address the situation,” he said.
The police have assured that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the abducted students and their teacher.
Discussion0