The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of farmers by armed bandits in Unguwan-Kawo, Erena Ward of Shiroro Local Government Area.

Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said ten persons were taken by the attackers while they were working on their farms around 4 p.m. on Wednesday. This clarification comes after earlier local reports suggested that as many as 20 farmers, including pregnant women and children, had been kidnapped.

The incident occurred just days after more than 200 students and staff of St. Mary’s Primary and Secondary School were abducted in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area.

The police say security operatives have been deployed to the area, and efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims.