The abduction of students from an Islamic school in Niger State has sparked conflicting accounts of the number of victims, with the police confirming 14 abductees against reports that 50 students and their teacher were kidnapped.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday at Tungan-Bako village in Pandogari, Rafi Local Government Area of the state.
The students were said to have been abducted while helping their Islamic teacher, popularly known as Mallam, harvest maize on his farm when suspected terrorists invaded the area.
The teacher was also reportedly taken away by the attackers.
However, the Niger State Police Command disputed reports that 50 students were abducted, putting the number of victims at 14.
The command’s spokesman, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident on Monday, saying joint security operatives had launched a rescue operation to secure the release of the victims.
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.”
Meanwhile, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesman for the Social Democratic Party governorship candidate, condemned Governor Mohammed Bago over what he described as the state government’s failure to address worsening insecurity.
Vatsa accused the governor of concentrating on electioneering while residents continued to face attacks and abductions.
He also alleged that security agencies in the state lacked operational vehicles and other essential equipment 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.
