Bandits Demand ₦100 Million for Abducted Niger Schoolgirls

Suspected bandits abducted students from an Islamiya school in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State, demanding a ransom exceeding ₦100 million for their release. Malam Aminu Bako, a teacher, identified 15 of the abducted students and expressed grave concerns for their safety, urging both the Federal and Niger State governments to enhance efforts for their rescue.

The children were kidnapped while harvesting maize on Bako's farm. He reported that the families of the abducted students received minimal assistance since the incident, relying mainly on local vigilantes for support.

The bandits initially mistook the students for those from government schools, which influenced their ransom demand. SP Wasiu Abiodun, the police public relations officer, confirmed the abduction and stated that joint security operations were underway to rescue the victims.