Suspected bandits abducted about 14 students of an Islamic school while they were helping their teacher on his farm in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, police confirmed Monday.
Police said joint security teams have begun rescue efforts to free the victims.
What We Know So Far
Niger State Police spokesman SP Wasiu Abiodun said the bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village at about 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, a Saturday, and abducted people working on a farm. The victims were about 14 students of an Islamiya, an Islamic school, who were helping their teacher, known as a Mallam, harvest maize, he said.
Abiodun said 14 students were taken, not 50 as reported in some quarters. “Joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated,” he said.
Punch said the gunmen took the students and their teacher. The police statement did not mention the teacher.
What Authorities Are Saying
Leadership, citing sources, said the bandits contacted the teacher and the families of the victims and asked for food supplies before releasing them. Leadership said the demands raised concerns for the victims’ safety.
Jonathan Vatsa, spokesman for the Social Democratic Party’s governorship candidate, criticized Gov. Mohammed Bago over security in the state. He accused the governor of focusing on the 2027 election rather than protecting residents, and alleged that security agencies lack operational vehicles and other equipment. Vatsa said the government only issues statements condemning attacks or sending condolences.
Differing Accounts
The accounts differ on several points. Leadership said 14 women associated with the teacher’s Islamic school were abducted on Sunday afternoon at a farm in Mekunjeri. Punch and police said about 14 students were taken on Saturday at Tungan-Bako village, and Punch placed the school in Pandogari. Leadership said police were still verifying details when it filed, with Abiodun saying he would find out more. Police have said the count was 14, not 50.
Why This Matters
In a separate case, on Friday, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted six people who were taking a woman’s body from Kano to Okpoga in Benue State’s Okpokwu Local Government Area, Punch said. They abandoned the corpse on the Adoka Road, according to sources.
What Happens Next
Police said rescue efforts are continuing and that more information will follow.
Sources: Punch and Leadership
