Suspected terrorists have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school and their teacher in Niger State while they were harvesting maize on a farm in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, when armed men invaded the farm in Pandogari district and whisked away the students alongside their Islamic teacher, popularly known as Mallam.
The students were reportedly assisting their teacher with harvesting maize when the attackers stormed the area and abducted them.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Niger State Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, clarifying that 14 students were abducted and not 50, as earlier reported.
In a statement, Abiodun said the police received information about the attack and that joint security operatives had commenced rescue efforts to secure the victims’ release.
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.”
The police spokesperson assured residents that security agencies were working together to rescue the abducted students and their teacher.
Meanwhile, the incident has attracted criticism from political stakeholders in the state, with the spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jonathan Vatsa, faulting Governor Mohammed Bago over the security situation.
Vatsa accused the state government of concentrating on political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election instead of addressing insecurity and protecting residents.
He also alleged that security agencies in the state lacked adequate operational vehicles and equipment to confront armed groups operating in rural communities.
According to him, the government had continued to issue statements condemning attacks without taking sufficient measures to prevent their recurrence.
“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 by gunmen without any cogent step to address the situation,” Vatsa said.
The latest abduction has renewed concerns over the safety of students, farmers and rural communities in Niger State, where armed groups have continued to target vulnerable residents.
Residents are awaiting further updates from security authorities on efforts to secure the release of the victims.
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