Niger Police Confirm 14 Islamiya Students Abducted

Niger State police confirmed that 14 Islamiya school students were abducted by suspected bandits on October 31 in Tungan-Bako, Rafi Local Government Area. The students were helping their Mallam harvest maize on a farm when the attackers struck; police did not say whether the teacher was also abducted. Police spokesperson Superintendent Wasiu Abiodun said joint rescue efforts were underway and dismissed reports that 50 students had been taken. Jonathan Vatsa, spokesperson for the SDP’s 2027 governorship candidate, insisted that 50 students were kidnapped and accused Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s government of failing to adequately equip security agencies.