Families of 14 Islamic school pupils abducted by suspected terrorists in north-central Nigeria are enduring days of anxiety, with parents uncertain about their children’s whereabouts and condition as security agencies work to secure their release.

The pupils were abducted Saturday, Oct. 31, while helping their Islamic school proprietor harvest maize on a farm in Tungan-Bako village in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the abduction Tuesday morning, with spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun saying joint security rescue efforts were ongoing and further information would be provided.

For one father, Ibrahim Aliyu, who spoke to Anadolu on Tuesday, the uncertainty has been particularly painful. His 12-year-old daughter was among the children taken by the attackers, leaving the family worried about her safety and the conditions in which she is being held.

“The situation is emotionally draining. We don’t know where they are or what is being done to them, especially since they are female children. We are worried,” he said.

Another parent, Muinat Alimi, said the abductors were demanding food supplies and ransom in exchange for the children’s release.

The school proprietor, Malam Aminu Bako, said the pupils were all girls aged between 10 and 15. He said he had not received direct communication from the abductors but had learned that some community leaders had been contacted and demands made.

“I learnt that some leaders were contacted and demands were made,” he said, without providing details of the demands to Anadolu.

The incident has renewed concerns among residents over the vulnerability of farming communities in Niger State, where armed groups have repeatedly carried out kidnappings and attacks on rural settlements.

As rescue efforts continue, parents are left waiting for information about children whose daily lives were interrupted while helping with a harvest.