Fourteen pupils of an Islamic school have been taken hostage by armed men who attacked a farming community in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The children were working on a maize farm in Tungan-Bako village, around Pandogari, when the attackers struck at approximately 12:30 pm on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday, clarifying that the number of victims was about 14, contrary to earlier reports claiming that as many as 50 people had been abducted.

Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said preliminary information showed that the victims were students of an Islamiya school who had accompanied their Mallam to assist with harvesting maize when the armed men invaded the area.

He disclosed that security personnel from different agencies had commenced a coordinated operation to locate the abducted children and secure their release.

Abiodun added that the police would provide further information as the rescue operation progressed.

Additional details have emerged from the school proprietor, Malam Aminu Bako, who told Leadership that he narrowly escaped being caught by the attackers while approaching the farm. He reportedly noticed unusual movements and heard gunshots before instructing the motorcyclist conveying him to turn back.

Bako said the pupils, who were reportedly between 10 and 15 years old, had gone ahead to work on the farm before the attack. He also disclosed that community leaders had reportedly received contact from the abductors, although the details of their demands have not been independently confirmed.

Reacting to the incident, Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the Social Democratic Party’s governorship candidate, criticised Governor Mohammed Bago’s handling of insecurity in the state.

Vatsa accused the governor of concentrating on political activities ahead of the 2027 governorship election while residents continued to face attacks.

He further alleged that security agencies were inadequately equipped, particularly in terms of operational vehicles and other resources required to respond to security threats.

According to him, the government’s response to repeated attacks had largely involved issuing statements of condemnation and expressing sympathy to affected communities, without sufficiently addressing the underlying security challenges.

The latest abduction has renewed concerns about the safety of children and farming communities in Niger State, particularly in rural areas where armed groups continue to pose security threats.

Meanwhile, security agencies are expected to provide further updates on efforts to locate and rescue the missing pupils.

SOURCES: The PUNCH, News Central Television, Daily Post.