Bandits Abduct 20 Farmers, Including Pregnant Women In Niger State Community, Days After St. Mary School Kidnappings

Five days after the abduction of over 300 St. Mary Catholic School children in Niger State, another tragedy has unfolded as 20 farmers, including pregnant women, were taken from their farmlands during a routine harvest.

Bandits reportedly kidnapped 20 farmers, among them four pregnant women and several children, in Unguwan-Kawo, Erena Ward of Shiroro Local Government Area.

Daily Trust reported that the victims were abducted from their farm at about 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, while harvesting rice.

One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said his nephew was among those kidnapped. He stated that the farm is located just about 500 metres from Erena town, where a military camp is situated.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the report.

The attack follows the abduction of hundreds of students, pupils, and staff members from St. Mary Secondary and Primary School in Papiri, Agwara LGA.

Armed men reportedly invaded the Papiri community during school hours, overwhelming the area and taking away the victims in a coordinated raid.

Residents said the attackers arrived in large numbers, causing panic as teachers and pupils scrambled for safety. The gunmen forced many into waiting vehicles, while others were reportedly taken away on motorcycles.

The incident sparked immediate outrage, with parents and community members flooding the school premises searching desperately for missing children.

However, on Sunday, the school authorities announced the return of at least 50 of the victims.