By Our Reporter
Armed bandits on Sunday launched a violent attack on Agwara Local Government Area in Niger State, setting fire to a police station and a church, and abducting five residents.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers arrived around 2:00 a.m., parking their motorcycles outside the town before entering on foot. They first targeted the police station, where officers were overwhelmed and forced to retreat. The station was subsequently set ablaze, reportedly using dynamite.
The bandits then moved through the town, taking valuables from homes, before proceeding to the United African Missionary Church (UAMC/“YMCA”), which was completely burnt. A monthly church vigil had been underway at the time, but worshippers fled upon hearing of the attack. Reverend Yakubu Yohanna confirmed that no worshippers were present and no lives were lost at the church.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the attack, stating that tactical teams engaged the bandits but were overpowered. The identities of the abducted victims have not yet been confirmed.
Agwara has experienced repeated security incidents in recent years, including the abduction of about 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the community last year. Residents have called for urgent security intervention to prevent further attacks.