Bandits have attacked Agwara local government area of Niger State, burning down the divisional police station and a church, and abducting about five villagers in an early Sunday raid.
The attack occurred around 3:40 a.m., with the assailants overrunning the Agwara Police Station and later burning part of the United Methodist Church.
According to eyewitnesses, the bandits arrived in the town around 2 a.m., parked their motorcycles a few kilometers away, and trekked into the community. They first attacked the police station, forcing officers on duty to flee, and then set the facility on fire.
The attackers also looted valuables and foodstuffs from houses before heading to the church, where they gathered benches, poured petrol on them, and set the building ablaze.
Reverend Yakubu Yohanna of the church confirmed the attack, saying no life was lost as members escaped into hiding.
The police public relations officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the situation is being monitored and further developments would be communicated in due course.
This is not the first time Agwara has witnessed such attacks, as about 300 pupils, students, and teachers of St. Mary’s Catholic School were abducted in the same area last year.
