MINNA, Nigeria — The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that approximately 14 students of an Islamic school were abducted by suspected bandits in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area, amid renewed concerns over insecurity in rural communities.
The students were reportedly seized on Saturday, October 31, while helping their Islamic school teacher, popularly known as a Mallam, harvest maize on a farm.
The attackers reportedly invaded the farm at about 12:30 p.m. and took the victims to an unknown destination.
The police confirmation followed conflicting reports about the number of people abducted, with some accounts initially suggesting that as many as 50 students had been taken.
Police clarify number of students abducted by bandits
The Police Public Relations Officer in Niger State, Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident.
Abiodun clarified that the number of abducted students was approximately 14, not 50.
In a statement, Abiodun said preliminary information indicated that the victims were students of an Islamiyya school who had accompanied their teacher to harvest maize.
He said suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village in Rafi Local Government Area and abducted people working on the farm.
The police spokesperson added that joint security rescue operations had commenced.
Rescue operation from bandits underway
According to the police, security operatives were working to secure the release of the abducted victims.
However, as of the latest reports available on November 4, there was no independently confirmed announcement that the students had been rescued or that the bandits had been arrested.
Although some media reports have stated that the teacher was also abducted, the police statement quoted in the reports specifically identifies approximately 14 students as victims.
The teacher’s reported abduction therefore requires further official clarification.
Renewed concerns over rural insecurity orchestrated by bandits
The incident has renewed attention on the security challenges confronting farming communities in Niger State, particularly in areas where armed bandits have repeatedly targeted residents.
Attacks on rural communities and farms have raised concerns about the safety of farmers, access to agricultural land and the ability of residents to continue their livelihoods without fear of kidnapping or violent attacks.
The abduction also highlights the vulnerability of children and students who participate in farming activities outside school premises.
Political reactions
The bandits kidnap incident has also attracted political criticism.
Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, criticised the state government’s handling of insecurity.
Vatsa accused it of failing to provide adequate protection for residents.
Those comments represent the opposition figure’s political assessment and should not be treated as an independently established finding about the government’s security operations.
Developing story:
The immediate priorities are the safe recovery of the abducted students, clarification of whether their teacher was also taken, and an official update on the progress of the rescue operation.
