A fresh wave of fear has swept through Niger State after 20 farmers, including pregnant women and children, were abducted by armed bandits during a routine harvest in Shiroro Local Government Area.
The incident occurred five days after more than 300 students and staff of St Mary Catholic School were kidnapped in Agwara.
Residents said the attackers struck on Wednesday afternoon in Unguwan-Kawo, Erena Ward, targeting farmers who were harvesting rice.
Attack Near Military Camp Raises Concerns
According to Daily Trust, the victims were taken at about 4 p.m., just 500 metres from Erena town, where a military camp is located. A resident, who chose not to be named, said his nephew was among those seized.
He explained that the farmers had returned to the field for late-season harvesting when the gunmen surrounded them and took them away.
When contacted, the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said he would verify the incident.
Coming After St Mary’s Mass Kidnapping
This new attack has deepened fears in the state, which is still reeling from the mass abduction at St Mary Secondary and Primary School in Papiri community.
Armed men stormed the school during learning hours, forcing students, pupils and staff into waiting vehicles and motorcycles.
Residents said the attackers arrived in large numbers, causing teachers and learners to flee in panic.
The school was thrown into chaos as parents raced to the compound searching for missing children.
On Sunday, school authorities confirmed that at least 50 abducted persons had returned.