The Niger State government said it is deploying resources to rescue 15 female Islamiya pupils abducted by bandits over the weekend, while the school’s proprietor insists that no concrete steps have been taken on the ground.

Aminu Abubakar Bako said that no government official had visited the community and that the bandits had demanded a ransom of 100 million nairas. The bandits called on Monday, saying the pupils were still safe but warning that their safety could not be guaranteed if the payment was delayed.