NIGERIA: Gunmen Abduct 14 Islamic School Students, Teacher in Niger State

No fewer than 14 students of an Islamic school and their teacher have reportedly been abducted by suspected bandits in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Tungan-Bako village, where the students were reportedly helping their Islamic teacher, popularly known as Mallam, harvest maize on his farm when the assailants invaded the area.

The attackers were said to have taken the students and their teacher to an undisclosed location.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, clarified that 14 students were abducted, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that 50 people were kidnapped.

According to Abiodun, the incident was reported at about 12:30 p.m. on October 31.

He said, “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 operatives were working to secure the release of the abducted victims.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, condemned Governor Mohammed Bago over what he described as the state government's handling of the worsening security situation.

Vatsa accused the governor of concentrating on electioneering activities at the expense of protecting lives and property.

He also raised concerns about the operational capacity of security agencies in the state, alleging that they lacked adequate vehicles and other essential equipment to tackle attacks by armed groups.

“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 condoling with the people over the death of their loved ones without any cogent step to address the situation,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, the abducted students and their teacher had yet to be rescued, while joint security operations were reportedly ongoing.