Metro
Bandits set Police Station, Church ablaze in Niger Community, abduct Five
The assailants reportedly used suspected dynamite during the attack.
Suspected bandits have attacked Agwara town, the headquarters of Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, setting ablaze the Divisional Police Station, vandalising a church and kidnapping at least five residents.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, reportedly began around 4am when the assailants stormed the town and engaged police officers in a gun battle.
Security sources said the attackers eventually overpowered the officers on duty and set the police station on fire before moving into other parts of the community.
Residents said the assailants also targeted the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Agwara, where part of the building was burnt, before abducting no fewer than five persons.
A resident of the town, Mallam Hussaini Mohammed, told journalists on the telephone that the incident had thrown the community into panic, forcing many residents to flee their homes for safety.
“The bandits attacked the police station first and later moved to the church, where they set part of it on fire. People are scared and many have left the town,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the attack occurred at about 3:40am but no life was lost.
According to him, armed bandits invaded Agwara community and attacked the divisional police station, where they were engaged by a tactical police team.
“The attackers used suspected dynamite to set the police station ablaze after overpowering the officers on ground,” Abiodun said.
He added that the assailants later moved to the UMC church, burnt part of the structure and proceeded to other areas of the community, where about five persons were abducted.
“The identities of the abducted victims are yet to be ascertained. Monitoring continues and further developments will be communicated,” the police spokesperson said.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Kwankwaso arrives Port Harcourt ahead of 2027 election
Uber announces exit from Nigeria after 12 years
Wike sets 2027 deadline for completion of FCT projects
African Union to launch credit rating agency October 7
Tinubu’s ‘dictatorship’ may end Nigeria’s democracy, SDP’s Adebayo warns
UEFA unveils special debut patches for UCL debutants
Nigeria records 14 fresh Lassa Fever cases – NCDC
NDA publishes 78th regular combatant course admission list
NAF opens 2026 recruitment for tradesmen, non-tradesmen
Five suspects arrested as police recover stolen vehicles in Cross River
Lagos court remands 74-year-old cleric over alleged defilement of granddaughter
Tinubu faces fresh scrutiny as US firm engages Congress over heroin claims
2027: Gawuna’s camp romances APC despite being given Kano NDC Senatorial ticket
Don’t discuss Atiku’s NYSC certificate case against Tinubu in public – Judge warns lawyers
2027: Tinubu deserves second term to complete reforms – Reno Omokri
NAF opens 2026 recruitment for tradesmen, non-tradesmen
2027: I will review NELFUND, offer debt forgiveness to Nigerian students – Atiku vows
‘Why can’t Nigerians buy petrol for N441-N872 per litre like, UAE, Angola Sudi Arabia, others’ – Atiku questions Tinubu
On LG Autonomy: I will send funds directly to LGs from Day 1 in office – Atiku vows
Yuguda warns Nigerians against Atiku’s promise to restore fuel subsidy, says its a political bait
2027: APC chieftain resigns, rejects support for Tinubu, Bauchi Governorship candidate
Don’t discuss Atiku’s NYSC certificate case against Tinubu in public – Judge warns lawyers
BREAKING: Lionel Messi retires from international football
Tinubu’s effort to secure Trump’s support for re-election has failed – Atiku’s lobbying firm claim
Xenophobia: Nigeria will no longer tolerate dehumanisation of its citizens in South Africa — Shettima
Nollywood hit by another loss as Atinuke Kareem dies after prolonged cancer battle
North, biggest beneficiary of my reforms — Tinubu, Arewa Forum, others disagree
2027: Major Jack picked as Chinda’s running mate in Rivers
How security forces rescued 15 NYSC members, six others from Kogi kidnappers – Police
