Suspected bandits have abducted 14 students and their teacher from an Islamic school in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.
The victims were reportedly harvesting maize on their teacher’s farm when armed men invaded the property on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, correcting earlier reports that about 50 pupils had been abducted.
Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said a joint security operation had been launched to rescue the victims.
In a statement, Abiodun said the attack occurred at about 12:30pm in Tungan-Bako village, within Rafi Local Government Area.
He said preliminary reports indicated that about 14 students of an Islamiya school were helping their Mallam harvest maize when the armed men arrived and abducted them.
“Joint security rescue efforts are ongoing; further developments will be communicated,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the state, criticised Governor Mohammed Bago over the handling of insecurity.
Vatsa accused the state government of prioritising electioneering while residents remained exposed to repeated attacks.
He also alleged that security agencies in the state lacked operational vehicles and other equipment needed to tackle the situation.
“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,” he said.
The police said efforts to locate and rescue the abducted students and their teacher were continuing.
