Armed men suspected to be marauding bandits set a police station and a United Methodist Church (UMC) ablaze in the Sokombara community of Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State, early Sunday morning.
The attackers also k!lled an elderly woman, abducted five residents and looted villagers’ food items and other valuables, residents said.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Niger State, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the bandits overpowered the police team stationed in the area before torching the station.
“Armed bandits invaded Agwara community, attacked the Police station where they were engaged by the tactical team on ground, used suspected dynamite to set the station ablaze, having overpowered the team,” Abiodun said.
He added that the assailants later moved to the UMC church, burning portions of the building before moving on to abduct at least five community members.
“The terrorists later moved to UMC church in the community, burnt part of the church, proceeded to other areas and abducted about five persons whose identities were yet to be ascertained,” the police spokesman said.
Abiodun said the police are continuing to monitor the situation and promised to share further developments as they unfold.
The latest incident is the third major attack in Agwara communities since the abduction and eventual release of schoolchildren and staff from Papiri School in late 2025.
About the Author
