Bandits Strike Niger School, Abduct Students …Four Days After Kebbi Kidnap

Panic has spread across Niger State following a fresh school attack in which armed bandits abducted several students, just four days after 24 schoolgirls were seized from the Government Secondary School, Kuchi, in Munya Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The latest incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday at Government Day Secondary School, Gidan Bakwai, in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.

Witnesses said the gunmen, numbering over 30 and heavily armed, rode into the community on motorcycles, firing shots into the air to scare residents before heading straight to the school premises.

According to locals, the bandits gained access through the rear fence of the school, where boarding students were sleeping.

“They came around 12:45 a.m. We heard continuous gunshots. Before we knew it, they had broken into the boys’ hostel,” said Malam Danladi Yusuf, a resident living opposite the school. “Several students were taken. Parents are crying everywhere.”

A teacher in the school, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, confirmed that staff members were also threatened during the raid.

“We tried calling security operatives, but the bandits were too many. They operated freely for nearly an hour,” she said. “Some children escaped into the bush, but many were captured.”

Local vigilantes attempted to repel the attackers but were overwhelmed by superior firepower, sources said.

Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident, stating that joint security personnel, including soldiers, police tactical teams, and local vigilante groups, had launched a coordinated operation to track the kidnappers.

“The number of abducted students is still being verified. We urge residents to remain calm as we work tirelessly to rescue the victims,” he said.

Niger State Governor, Umar Mohammed Bago, condemned the attack, describing it as “another cruel assault on the future of our children.” He assured parents that the government was in close contact with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the students.

This is the second major school abduction within a week, heightening concerns about rising insecurity across northern Nigeria’s learning institutions. Parents in the community have appealed for immediate government intervention and stronger security presence in schools.

Rescue efforts are ongoing as officials continue to compile the full list of abducted students.