14 Islamic school students, teacher abducted in Niger

Suspected bandits have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school and their teacher while harvesting maize on a farm in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The victims were reportedly working on their teacher’s farm in Tungan-Bako village, near Pandogari, when the attackers invaded the area on Saturday.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the abduction on Monday, dismissing reports that 50 students were kidnapped.

The command’s spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, said joint security teams had launched a rescue operation to secure the release of the victims.

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.”

Meanwhile, the spokesman of the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jonathan Vatsa, condemned Governor Mohammed Bago’s handling of the security situation in the state.

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Vatsa accused the governor of prioritising electioneering over the protection of lives and property.

He also alleged that security agencies in the state lacked operational vehicles and other equipment needed to confront the attackers.

“The government is only there to issue statements either condemning every attack or condole with the people over the death of their loved ones without any cogent step to address the situation,” Vatsa said.