Suspected bandits have abducted about 14 pupils of an Islamic school in Niger State while they were harvesting maize on their teacher’s farm.

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

The victims were reportedly assisting their Islamic school teacher, popularly known as Mallam, with harvesting maize when armed men invaded the community and whisked them away.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attackers stormed the village at about 12:30 p.m. and abducted several people working on the farm.

He clarified that the number of students abducted was approximately 14, dismissing earlier reports suggesting that 50 pupils were kidnapped.

Abiodun added that joint security teams had commenced operations to rescue the victims and secure their release.

However, reports indicated that the pupils were returning from the farm when they reportedly stopped at a borehole to wash and drink water before the gunmen seized them.

Meanwhile, the incident has attracted criticism from the opposition in the state, with Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, faulting Governor Mohammed Bago’s handling of the security situation.

Vatsa accused the governor of concentrating on political activities at the expense of protecting residents and their property.

He also alleged that security agencies in the state lacked adequate operational vehicles and other essential equipment to effectively confront armed groups.

According to him, the government had continued issuing statements condemning attacks and sympathising with victims without taking sufficient practical measures to address the insecurity.

The latest abduction adds to growing security concerns in Niger State, particularly in rural communities where armed groups have repeatedly targeted farmers, residents and places of worship.

Security agencies are continuing efforts to secure the release of the abducted pupils.