Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted 14 students of an Islamic school and their teacher in Tungan-Bako village, Pandogari district of Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Saturday, October 31, while harvesting maize on a farm belonging to their Islamic teacher, popularly known as a Mallam.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident, clarifying that 14 students were abducted, contrary to earlier reports suggesting that as many as 50 pupils had been taken.

Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the attackers invaded the community at about 12:30 p.m. and seized people working on the farm.

He explained that preliminary information indicated that the victims were students of an Islamiya school who had accompanied their teacher to assist with harvesting maize when the armed men struck.

Abiodun said joint security operatives had commenced rescue efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims, adding that further developments would be communicated.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of residents, particularly schoolchildren and other vulnerable groups in rural communities across Niger State.

The abduction also adds to the growing list of kidnapping incidents reported in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups have continued to target communities, travellers and educational institutions.

Security authorities are yet to announce the rescue of the victims or provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the attack.