Bandits Abduct 54 Villagers, Including Pregnant Women, Children in Niger Community

Armed bandits have abducted 54 farmers and residents, including four pregnant women and children, in Paleta community, Unguwan-Kawo, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

Sources told newsmen that the attack occurred around 1pm on Wednesday, November 26, barely six days after bandits seized over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, also in Niger State.

Eyewitnesses alleged that the gunmen invaded the community, shooting sporadically before whisking villagers—among them expectant mothers and minors—to an unknown location.

A community source said the affected settlement lies approximately five kilometres from a military camp, adding that some victims were abducted while harvesting rice near the base. Distress calls were reportedly placed to the military camp at Erana for assistance, but troops arrived only after the bandits had fled with the 54 captives.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident but gave a preliminary figure that differed from community accounts.

“On November 26, 2025, at about 8pm, based on report received, suspected armed men abducted about ten persons from Angwan-Kawo and Kuchipa villages in Shiroro Local Government Area,” Abiodun said.

He added that rescue efforts were ongoing and assured that security operatives were working to secure the release of all victims.

The Edo State Police Command said investigations into the broader operation were continuing, while calling for vigilance and community cooperation in intelligence-sharing to curb further attacks.

Security stakeholders continue to express concern that repeated abductions in Niger State signal expanding threats around farming settlements and schools, urging accelerated counter-bandit operations to forestall reprisal attacks and restore safety in affected communities.