Five days after the mass abduction of over 300 students, pupils, and staff from St. Mary Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State has witnessed another violent attack.

Bandits reportedly kidnapped 20 farmers—including four pregnant women and several children—while they were harvesting rice in Unguwan-Kawo, Erena Ward of Shiroro Local Government Area. The attack occurred around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26.

A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said his nephew was among the victims. He noted that the farm is located just about 500 metres from Erena town, which houses a military camp.

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

The recent farm abductions follow the earlier attack on St. Mary Secondary and Primary School in Papiri, where armed men reportedly overwhelmed the community during school hours. The assailants forced many students and staff into vehicles, while others were reportedly taken away on motorcycles, sparking panic and outrage among parents and residents.

Authorities later announced the release of at least 50 of the kidnapped schoolchildren, but the spate of attacks underscores the growing insecurity in Niger State, with both rural farmers and schoolchildren being targeted by armed groups.