Gunmen Abduct 14 Islamic School Students in Niger State

Suspected bandits have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, following an attack on a farm where the pupils were harvesting maize.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, when the students accompanied their Islamic school teacher, popularly known as a Mallam, to his farm.

The gunmen reportedly invaded the farm and whisked away the pupils and their teacher.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, clarifying that 14 students were abducted, contrary to reports that 50 people had been taken.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said the command received information that suspected bandits had invaded the village and abducted people working on the farm.

He said joint security operatives had commenced rescue efforts to secure the release of the victims.

“However, joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated,” Abiodun said.

The abduction has heightened concerns over the security of rural communities in Niger State, where armed groups have repeatedly targeted residents, farmers and schoolchildren.

The latest incident comes amid renewed attacks on farming communities, with residents in parts of the state reportedly facing threats that have disrupted agricultural activities and forced some families to leave their homes.

The state has recorded several mass abductions in recent years, including the November 2025 kidnapping of pupils and staff members from St Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

Security agencies are continuing efforts to rescue the victims and address the threat posed by armed groups in the affected communities.