In a disturbing incident, suspected bandits have kidnapped 14 students from an Islamic school in Pandogari, located in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State. The abduction occurred on Saturday as the students were assisting their teacher, known as a Mallam, in harvesting maize on a farm in Tungan-Bako village.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer for the Niger State Command, Wasiu Abiodun, the attack took place around 12:30 PM. He confirmed that the victims included 14 students and clarified that earlier reports suggesting that 50 individuals were abducted were inaccurate. Abiodun stated, "On 31/10/2026 at about 12.30pm, suspected bandits invaded Tungan-Bako village via Rafi LGA and abducted some persons working on the farm."

Following the incident, joint security operatives have initiated rescue efforts to secure the release of the abducted students and their teacher. The police have assured the public that updates regarding the situation will be communicated as developments unfold.

This incident has raised serious concerns about the security situation in Niger State. Jonathan Vatsa, the spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party's governorship candidate, has criticized the state governor, Mohammed Bago, for allegedly prioritizing the upcoming 2027 governorship election over addressing the rampant insecurity affecting residents. Vatsa claimed that security agencies in the state are inadequately equipped, lacking operational vehicles and essential resources to effectively combat such attacks.

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

The abduction of these students highlights the ongoing challenges posed by banditry in Nigeria, with security forces struggling to maintain safety in various regions. The incident follows another recent kidnapping in Benue State, where gunmen abducted six individuals transporting a corpse to Okpoga, further illustrating the pervasive threat of violence in the country.

As the situation develops, the community and families of the abducted students are left in a state of anxiety, hoping for a swift and safe resolution to this alarming incident.