The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that suspected armed bandits attacked Agwara community in the early hours of Sunday, setting ablaze a police station and part of a church, while abducting about five residents.
The confirmation was contained in a statement issued in Minna by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Wasiu Abiodun. According to him, the attack occurred at about 3:40 a.m. when the assailants invaded the Agwara Divisional Police Station.
Abiodun explained that a police tactical team on duty engaged the attackers in a gun duel. However, the officers were later overpowered by the bandits, who reportedly used suspected dynamite to set the police station on fire. The attack caused significant damage to the facility and forced officers on duty to retreat for safety.
He further disclosed that after attacking the police station, the bandits moved to the United Methodist Church (UMC) in the same community, where they burnt part of the church building. The incident caused panic among residents, many of whom fled into hiding to avoid being harmed.
The police spokesman added that the attackers later proceeded to other parts of Agwara community, where they abducted about five persons. He noted that the identities of the abducted victims were yet to be ascertained as investigations continued.
Abiodun assured residents that the situation was under control and being closely monitored by security agencies. He said investigations had commenced immediately, while efforts had been intensified to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe rescue of the abducted persons.
“The situation is being monitored, and further developments will be communicated in due course,” he said.
Agwara Local Government Area has experienced repeated bandit attacks in recent times, raising concerns among residents over security in the area. Security agencies have reiterated their commitment to restoring peace and preventing further attacks across the state.
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