MAIDUGURI, Nigeria

Gunmen have kidnapped at least 21 children, most of them girls, working on a farm in northwestern Nigeria, police and local officials said on Wednesday.

Gambo Isah, a police spokesperson, told Anadolu Agency that “18 young women and three young men” were taken away from a farm in Faskari, an area in Katsina State, on Sunday.

He said the victims are daily wage workers, but refused to confirm their ages.

However, the head of a local vigilance group, who requested anonymity, said all the victims are between 10 and 14 years old.

According to Isah, the incident is likely linked to recent extortion threats faced by the farm owners.

He said authorities have warned the farm owners and community leaders against negotiating with the kidnappers.

According to local media reports, the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of 30 million naira (around $68,500).

Isah said police, military, and other security agencies have launched efforts to track down and rescue the hostages.​​​​​​​