Terrorists abduct 14 Islamic school pupils harvesting maize in Niger

Fourteen pupils of an Islamic school have been abducted by suspected terrorists while helping their teacher harvest maize on a farm in Niger State.

The incident occurred on Saturday, October 31, at Tungan-Bako village in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of the state.

The teacher, identified as their Mallam, was also reportedly taken away by the attackers.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the abduction on Monday, clarifying that 14 pupils were taken and not 50 as earlier reported.

The police spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attackers invaded the farm at about 12.30pm and seized the pupils while they were harvesting maize with their teacher.

In a statement, Abiodun 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 spokesman assured that a joint security team had begun operations to rescue the abducted pupils and other victims.

Meanwhile, the spokesman for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, Jonathan Vatsa, condemned Governor Mohammed Bago over what he described as the state government’s poor handling of insecurity.

Vatsa accused the governor of concentrating on political activities while residents continued to face attacks and abductions.

He also alleged that security agencies in the state lacked operational vehicles and other essential equipment needed to confront 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 condole with the people over the death of their loved ones without any cogent step to address the situation,” Vatsa said.

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