The atmosphere in Niger State was thrown into tension on Friday after authorities confirmed the abduction of several pupils by suspected armed bandits. Community sources first raised the alarm, but the situation was officially confirmed by security operatives and local education authorities, who verified that the children were forcibly taken during an early-morning attack on a rural learning centre.
Parents and residents described the incident as another devastating blow to the region’s fragile security situation, with many rushing to the affected community as news of the abduction spread. Local vigilante groups and security personnel were said to have immediately launched initial tracking operations in an effort to trace the route taken by the attackers.
Education officials in the area also confirmed the development, noting that several affected families have been identified as authorities document the number of missing pupils. Community leaders have called for urgent intervention, warning that continuous attacks on schools could force more parents to withdraw their children from formal education.
Amid rising public anxiety, the Niger State Government later issued a formal press statement addressing the incident. Signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, the statement assured residents that security agencies have scaled up investigations and intensified search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the abducted pupils.
The government noted that it is in close communication with all relevant security formations, urging school proprietors and community stakeholders to strictly adhere to all security advisories already issued.
It appealed for calm, encouraging citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing efforts.
The statement added that the administration will continue to provide regular updates as the situation develops.
