Bandits Abduct 15 Female Pupils in Niger State

Fifteen female pupils from an Islamiya school were abducted by suspected bandits on November 3 while they were helping their school owner, Malam Aminu Bako, harvest maize on his farm in Tungan-Bako village, Rafi Local Government Area, Niger State. Bako reported that he noticed unusual movements and gunfire as he approached the farm, prompting him to turn back with a motorcyclist.

He learned that community leaders had been contacted by the bandits, who made demands for food and money. The pupils, aged between 10 and 15 years, have not been directly contacted by the abductors.

A father of one of the girls expressed emotional distress over the situation, particularly due to their gender. The Niger State Police Command, represented by SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident and stated that joint security teams, including local vigilantes, are actively working on rescue efforts.