The Agwara community in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State experienced a devastating attack in the early hours of Sunday, as suspected armed bandits, identified as terrorists in some reports, overran the town. The Niger State Police Command officially confirmed the incident, detailing a coordinated assault that resulted in the burning of a police station and a church, alongside the abduction of several residents.

According to statements from SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, the assailants invaded the Agwara Police Station around 3:40 a.m. The police tactical team on duty engaged the attackers in a fierce gun battle; however, the bandits ultimately overpowered the officers. They then used suspected dynamite to set the police facility ablaze, causing significant destruction to the main Agwara Police Divisional Headquarters.

Following the attack on the police station, the perpetrators proceeded to the United Methodist Church (UMC), also referred to as the First United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) in some reports, within the community. There, they torched a part of the church building, further escalating the scale of destruction. Videos circulating online subsequently showed the charred remnants of both the police headquarters and the church, providing visual evidence of the overnight raid that extended into Sunday morning.

The criminal activities did not cease with the destruction of public and religious facilities. The bandits spread to other areas of Agwara community, where they abducted approximately five persons. As of the time of reporting, the identities of these abducted victims remain unknown.

The attack has instilled widespread fear among the residents of Agwara, compelling many to flee their homes for safety. Community members expressed profound frustration and fear, lamenting the perceived absence of security operatives during and after the prolonged assault, despite numerous distress calls. Concerns were also raised about the possibility of follow-up attacks, given the lack of visible security reinforcement deployed to the area.

SP Abiodun assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored by security agencies. Investigations have been launched, and efforts are being intensified to track down the perpetrators of this heinous act and ensure the safe rescue of all abducted victims. Further developments are expected to be communicated as the situation unfolds.