Armed Bandits Set Fire to Police Station and Church in Niger State

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that armed assailants set ablaze a police station along with part of a church in the Agwara community during the early hours of Sunday.

Wasiu Abiodun, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, issued a statement in Minna confirming the incident.

The attack took place around 3:40 a.m. when the bandits invaded the Agwara Police Station, overpowering the officers stationed there. Mr. Abiodun noted that the police tactical unit engaged the bandits, but ultimately, the attackers managed to gain the upper hand and utilized suspected dynamite to ignite the station.

Following the attack on the police station, the assailants also targeted the United Methodist Church (UMC) within the same community, setting fire to parts of the church building.

In addition, the police spokesman mentioned that the bandits advanced to different areas of the community where they abducted approximately five individuals, with their identities still unknown.

“The situation is under surveillance, and updates will be provided as they arise,” he added. He reiterated that security forces have begun investigations and intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible and rescue the kidnapped victims.