The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 14 students of an Islamic school in Rafi Local Government Area of the state, following an attack by suspected bandits on a farm in Tungan-Bako village.
The incident occurred at about 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, when the students were helping their Islamic teacher, popularly known as a Mallam, harvest maize on his farm.
Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, November 2, saying armed men invaded the community and abducted people working on the farm.
According to the police, preliminary information indicated that the victims were approximately 14 students of an Islamiya school who had accompanied their teacher for the farm work.
The police clarification came amid earlier reports suggesting that as many as 50 pupils had been kidnapped. Abiodun maintained that the number of students involved was about 14.
He said joint security teams had commenced rescue operations to secure the victims' release, adding that further developments would be communicated to the public.
Although several media reports have stated that the teacher was also taken alongside the students, the police statement quoted in the reports specifically confirmed the abduction of approximately 14 students without separately establishing the teacher's status.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of children and rural communities in Niger State, where armed attacks and kidnappings have repeatedly disrupted farming and other daily activities.
The attack also highlights the risks faced by residents who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, particularly during the harvest season when farmers spend long hours working in isolated locations.
Reacting to the security situation, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party's governorship candidate in Niger State, criticised the administration of Governor Mohammed Bago.
Vatsa accused the state government of failing to adequately address insecurity and alleged that security agencies lacked sufficient operational vehicles and equipment to respond effectively to attacks.
His comments represent the opposition's criticism of the government's handling of security in the state.
As of the latest police update, rescue operations were ongoing, and there was no official confirmation that the abducted students had been released.
Residents and families of the victims will be hoping for their safe return as security agencies continue efforts to locate and rescue them.