Gunmen Abduct 14 Islamiyya Students, Teacher In Niger

Suspected gunmen have abducted 14 students of an Islamiyya school and their teacher in Tungan-Bako village, Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The victims were reportedly abducted on Saturday, October 31, while helping their Islamic teacher, popularly known as Mallam, harvest maize on his farm.

The attackers were said to have invaded the farm at about 12:30 p.m. before taking the students and their teacher to an undisclosed location.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, clarifying that 14 students were abducted, contrary to reports that as many as 50 students had been kidnapped.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement, saying preliminary information indicated that the victims were assisting their teacher with maize harvesting when the gunmen struck.

He said a joint security operation had commenced to secure the victims’ release.

“However, joint security rescue efforts are ongoing. Further developments will be communicated,” the police spokesperson stated.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, criticised Governor Umaru Bago over what he described as the state government’s failure to adequately address the worsening security situation.

Vatsa accused the administration of giving priority to political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election rather than the security and welfare of residents.

He also raised concerns about the alleged shortage of operational vehicles and other essential equipment needed by security agencies to tackle attacks across the state.

According to him, the government had largely responded to attacks by issuing condemnations and condolence messages without taking sufficient practical measures to prevent further incidents.

“The government is only there to issue statements either condemning every attack or condoling the people over the death of their loved ones by gunmen without any cogent step to address the situation,” Vatsa said.

However, the state government defended its response to insecurity, saying it was deploying available resources and collaborating with security agencies and other stakeholders to address the situation.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Obed Nuhu Nana, said the Bago administration remained committed to rescuing abducted persons, preventing further attacks and restoring peace to affected communities.

He reaffirmed the government’s determination to tackle insecurity and ensure the safety of residents across the state.