MINNA, NIGERIA — Fresh details have emerged following the abduction of 15 schoolgirls in Niger State. The kidnappers are reportedly demanding more than ₦100 million for their release.
The abducted children are students of an Islamiya school. They were reportedly taken by suspected bandits while assisting their teacher, Malam Aminu Bako, on his farm in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area.
Ransom Demand
Their teacher has disclosed that the kidnappers have established contact with village leaders. He said they made a ransom demand exceeding ₦100 million.
He also released the names of the abducted students. He appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their freedom.
The news has heightened concerns among residents and families of the victims. They are worried about the condition of the children and the circumstances surrounding their continued captivity.
Students Held in Niger State
Bako said information received through local vigilantes suggested that the abducted students were still being held somewhere within Niger State.
According to him, the children were reportedly kept inside an isolated building under the watch of heavily armed gunmen.
He expressed concern about their welfare. He said they might not have access to adequate food and other basic necessities.
“We heard that they were still within Niger State, locked in a building, probably without food. We are worried; we want the authorities to come to our aid to rescue them,” he said.
Call for Urgent Intervention
The teacher insisted that the situation required urgent intervention from the military and other security agencies. He argued that local vigilantes alone might not have the capacity to confront the armed men holding the children.
He also expressed disappointment over what he described as the limited assistance received since the incident occurred.
According to him, the school and parents of the abducted students had largely been left to depend on community vigilantes for information and efforts to locate the kidnappers.
Bako disclosed that the acting chairman of Rafi Local Government Area and the Divisional Police Officer were the only government officials who had visited the community following the abduction.
He said the visits provided some reassurance to residents. But he maintained that more concrete security measures were needed to ensure the safe return of the children.
Parents’ Anxiety
The teacher also revealed that he had been receiving calls and complaints from parents. He said they were desperate for information about their daughters.
He said the families had continued to put pressure on him because of their concerns about the safety of the children. He added that the absence of further government engagement had increased their anxiety.
“We are also worried that nobody has visited us from the state government. At least, they should give us hope that something is being done to ensure their release,” he added.
Police Confirmation
Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command has confirmed the abduction. Its account of the number of victims differs slightly from the figure provided by the teacher.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village. They abducted several people working on a farm.
According to the police spokesman, preliminary information indicated that about 14 of the victims were students of an Islamiya school. They had accompanied their instructor to harvest maize.
He said the police had received information about the incident. He assured that joint security operations were ongoing to rescue those taken away.
The Victims
Bako subsequently provided the names of the 15 students who were reportedly abducted. They are Hassana Isah, Aliya Ahmad, Hajara Musa, Hauwa’u Abubakar, Halima Yahaya, Asma’u Jamilu, Radiya Salisu, Aminatu Salisu, Aisha Bello, Rahinatu Sani, Aminatu Alhassan, Nafisa Ayuba, Bilkisu Adamu, Salaha Abdullahi, and Hajara Salisu.
What This Means
The abduction is a tragic reminder of the security challenges in Niger State. Banditry and kidnapping have become prevalent in the state.
The incident also highlights the need for improved security in rural communities. The government must do more to protect its citizens.
What Happens Next
Security agencies will continue their rescue operation. The police have assured that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the victims.
For now, the families of the victims are waiting for news. They are hoping for the safe return of their children.
