By Stephen — Dalena Reporters
November 27, 2025
NIGER STATE — Mere days after the mass abduction of hundreds of pupils and teachers from a Catholic school, another devastating incident struck Niger State on Wednesday, as suspected bandits kidnapped 20 farmers including pregnant women and children from their farms in Unguwan‑Kawo, Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area.
According to local sources, the attack occurred around 4:00 p.m. while the victims were harvesting rice. The kidnappers reportedly struck swiftly, dragging the farmers into the bush before fleeing with them. One resident, speaking under anonymity, lamented that his nephew was among those taken a chilling reminder of how close the violence now hits ordinary families.
The initial report by local media put the figure of kidnapped farmers at 20 including four pregnant women and several children. However, in a later statement released on Thursday, the Niger State Police Command confirmed only 10 persons had been abducted. Efforts to rescue the victims have reportedly begun, with deployment of security operatives to the affected area.
This fresh tragedy comes barely six days after the abduction of over 200 pupils and staff from St. Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri a horrifying pattern that has fanned outrage across Nigeria and deepened parental fears for children’s safety.
Residents expressed disbelief and frustration. One farmer said: “We were just harvesting our rice how could they attack us near a military camp?” The farm in Unguwan-Kawo lies only about 500 metres from a military installation in Erena town, raising disturbing questions about the effectiveness of security presence in the region.
Security analysts warned that this incident underscores the increasingly brazen boldness of bandit groups, who no longer limit themselves to schools or towns, but are now targeting farmers and rural labourers a demographic once regarded as relatively safe. The use of mass abductions, especially involving pregnant women and children, signals both desperation for ransom and a systematic effort to terrorize agrarian communities.
Local leaders, community elders, and civil-society organisations have renewed calls for urgent government intervention. They demand expansion of security operations especially around farms, farmlands and rural settlements improved early-warning systems, and community-police collaboration to stem the tide of kidnappings.
As the search for the abducted farmers continues, families of victims remain anxious and uncertain. Dalena Reporters will continue to monitor rescue efforts, security-agency responses, and any emerging intelligence that may reveal the fate of those taken.