Fourteen students of an Islamic school have been abducted by suspected bandits in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The victims were reportedly working on a maize farm with their teacher, popularly known as a Mallam, when the gunmen invaded the area on Saturday.
According to reports, the students had accompanied their teacher to help with the harvest when the attackers arrived and took them away.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, clarifying that 14 students were abducted, rather than the figure of 50 circulated in some reports.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the incident occurred at about 12.30pm on October 31, 2026, in Tungan-Bako village.
He said the initial report indicated that suspected bandits invaded the community and abducted people working on the farm, including the students who were assisting their Mallam.
Abiodun added that joint security operatives had commenced rescue efforts to secure the victims’ release, while further developments would be communicated.
The abduction has renewed concerns over the security situation in parts of Niger State, where attacks by armed groups have continued to pose challenges for rural communities.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jonathan Vatsa, criticised Governor Mohammed Bago over the incident and the wider security situation in the state.
Vatsa accused the governor of paying greater attention to political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election than to the protection of residents. He also alleged that security agencies lacked operational vehicles and other equipment needed to respond effectively to attacks.
His comments were criticisms of the state government and were not independently established by the police statement.
Security agencies are continuing efforts to locate the abducted students and secure their release.
Deborah Adeyefa
