Suspected bandits have reportedly abducted students and a teacher from an Islamic school in Niger State, following an attack on a farm in Rafi Local Government Area.
Initial reports put the number of missing students at 50. However, the Niger State Police Command has disputed the figure, confirming that 14 students were abducted.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, in Tungan-Bako village, Pandogari, where the students had accompanied their Islamic teacher, popularly known as Mallam, to harvest maize on his farm.
According to reports, the suspected terrorists stormed the farm while the students were working and took them away. The teacher was also reportedly among those abducted.
Police Confirm 14 Victims in Niger School Kidnapping
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday. He clarified that the number of abducted students was 14, rather than the 50 initially reported.
In his account, Abiodun said suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village at about 12:30 pm on October 31 and abducted people working on a farm.
He explained that preliminary information indicated that the victims were students of an Islamiya school who had gone to assist their Mallam with maize harvesting.
The police spokesperson also assured residents that security operatives had commenced rescue operations.
He said:
“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.
“The report further indicated that the abducted victims were about 14 students of an Islamiya helping their Mallam to harvest maize on the farm before the incident.
“However, joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated.”
SDP Spokesperson Criticises Niger Governor Over Insecurity
Meanwhile, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, condemned Governor Mohammed Bago over the security situation in Niger State.
Vatsa accused the governor of prioritising political activities while residents continued to face security threats.
He also questioned the operational capacity of security agencies, alleging that they lacked adequate vehicles and essential equipment to confront armed groups.
According to him, the state government had largely responded to attacks through public statements condemning incidents and sympathising with affected communities.
Vatsa argued that such statements were insufficient without practical measures to prevent further attacks and protect residents.
The latest Niger school kidnapping has renewed concerns about the safety of students and rural communities in the state.
For now, police say joint security teams are working to rescue the abducted victims. The authorities have also promised to provide further updates as the operation progresses.