Gunmen Kidnap 14 Students from Islamic School in Niger State

Fourteen students from an Islamic school were kidnapped by armed men in Niger State on Saturday. The incident occurred in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area, while the students were helping their teacher, known as a Mallam, harvest maize on his farm in Tungan-Bako village.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer for Niger State, Wasiu Abiodun, the gunmen invaded the farm and took the students along with their teacher. He confirmed that 14 students were abducted, correcting earlier reports that claimed the number was 50.

Abiodun stated that security forces have started efforts to rescue the victims. He said, “On 31/10/2026 at about 12:30 PM, suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village and abducted some persons working on the farm.”

In response to the rising insecurity, Jonathan Vatsa, a spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party’s governorship candidate, criticized Governor Mohammed Bago. Vatsa accused the governor of neglecting the security issues in the state while focusing on the upcoming 2027 election. He claimed that local security agencies lack the necessary vehicles and equipment to effectively address the situation.

Vatsa added, “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 taking real action.”

This incident follows another recent kidnapping in Benue State, where six people were abducted while transporting a deceased woman for burial.