Suspected bandits have abducted 14 students of an Islamiyya school and their teacher in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, while the students were reportedly helping their teacher harvest maize on his farm. According to reports, the armed men invaded the farm and took the victims to an unknown destination.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident but clarified that the number of abducted students was about 14, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that as many as 50 students had been kidnapped. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said preliminary information indicated that the victims were students of an Islamiyya school who had accompanied their Mallam to harvest maize when the attackers struck.
Abiodun added that a joint security operation was underway to rescue the abducted victims. He also assured residents that further developments would be communicated.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, criticised Governor Umaru Bago over what he described as the state government’s failure to address the worsening security situation. Vatsa accused the administration of prioritising political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election instead of focusing on the security and welfare of residents.
He also raised concerns about the alleged shortage of operational vehicles and other essential equipment needed by security agencies to tackle attacks. Vatsa further accused the government of repeatedly issuing statements condemning attacks and sympathising with victims without taking sufficient steps to prevent further incidents.
However, the Niger State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, said the Bago administration was deploying available resources and working with security agencies and other stakeholders to address insecurity. He said the government was committed to rescuing abducted persons, preventing further attacks and restoring lasting peace across the state.
