The atmosphere in Niger State was thrown into tension on Friday after authorities confirmed the abduction of several pupils by suspected armed bandits.
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, with many rushing to the affected community as news of the bandits’ abduction spread. Local vigilante groups and security personnel reportedly launched immediate tracking operations to trace the attackers’ escape route.
Education officials 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 repeated school attacks—often linked to bandits activity—could push more parents to withdraw their children from formal education.
Amid rising public anxiety, the Niger State Government issued a formal statement addressing the situation. Signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alh. Abubakar Usman, it assured residents that security agencies have intensified investigations and expanded search-and-rescue operations to recover the pupils taken by the bandits.
The government emphasized that it remains in close contact with relevant security formations, urging school proprietors and community stakeholders to adhere strictly to existing security advisories to reduce vulnerabilities to bandits threats.
It appealed for calm and encouraged citizens to support security agencies with credible information that could aid ongoing efforts. The statement added that the administration will continue to provide regular updates as the situation unfolds.
Read a recent attack by bandits in Abuja here
