Suspected bandits have kidnapped 14 students of an Islamic school in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, during an attack on a farm where they were harvesting maize. Their teacher, who was also on the farm, was reportedly taken away by the attackers.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 31, when the students were helping their Mallam harvest maize on his farm in Tungan-Bako village.
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the abduction on Monday, clarifying that 14 students were taken rather than the 50 initially reported.
He said security operatives had launched a joint operation to locate and rescue the victims, adding that further information would be made available as the situation developed.
In a statement, Abiodun 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,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, the spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jonathan Vatsa, criticised Governor Mohammed Bago over the state government’s response to the worsening security situation.
Vatsa accused the governor of concentrating on electioneering activities instead of addressing the threats to residents’ lives and property.
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He also raised concerns about the operational capacity of security agencies in the state, claiming they lacked vehicles and other essential equipment needed to tackle the attacks.
“The security agencies in the state lack operational vehicles and other necessary equipment to confront the situation.
“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.