How 15 Niger Islamiya Pupils Were Abducted From Farm – Mallam, Police

The proprietor of an Islamiya college whose 15 pupils have been kidnapped from his farm in Tungan-Bako village, through Mekunjeri in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, Malam Aminu Bako, has narrated how the kids have been taken by suspected bandits.

Bako informed LEADERSHIP that he narrowly escaped abduction as he was approaching his farm and noticed the bandits, in massive numbers, abducting the pupils, all of whom have been feminine.

He stated the pupils had earlier gone to the farm to assist him harvest maize when the bandits invaded, opened hearth indiscriminately and took them away.

According to him, “I used to be about to enter the farm, a few kilometre away, after I observed uncommon actions, gunshots and wailing across the farm. I instantly informed the motorcyclist who took me there to show again.

“When we were about to turn back, one of them sighted us and pursued us on a motorcycle until we reached a point where we saw a security checkpoint. They immediately turned back.”

Bako stated the bandits had not contacted him instantly, however added that he learnt that some neighborhood leaders had been contacted and calls for made.

“I learnt that some leaders were contacted and demands were made,” he stated.

While expressing hope that the abductors would launch the kids, Bako stated the pupils have been between 10 and 15 years previous.

He stated safety operatives had been on prime of the state of affairs, including that joint safety groups, together with native vigilantes, instantly swung into motion after the incident.

A father of one of many kidnapped pupils, who spoke on situation of anonymity, stated his 12-year-old daughter was amongst these taken.

“The situation is emotionally draining. We don’t know where they are or what is being done to them, especially since they are female children. We are worried,” he stated.

Unconfirmed sources stated the bandits had contacted some village leaders, demanding meals and an undisclosed sum of cash earlier than releasing the kids.

It was gathered that the bandits focused the farm as a result of they have been sad with villagers who had lately strengthened their vigilante group, making it troublesome for them to function within the Mekunjeri space as they beforehand did.

Confirming the incident to LEADERSHIP yesterday, the Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, stated suspected bandits had invaded Tungan-Bako village in Rafi Local Government Area and kidnapped individuals engaged on a farm.

“The report further indicated that the abducted victims were about 14 students of an Islamiya helping their Mallam to harvest maize on the farm before the incident,” he stated.

Abiodun, nonetheless, stated joint safety rescue efforts have been ongoing, including that “future developments will be communicated” appropriately.