A violent raid in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State left one person dead, a church and a police station destroyed, and several residents abducted on Sunday, according to authorities.
The Niger State Police confirmed that armed assailants stormed the community, first targeting the local police station.
Officers on site attempted to resist the attackers, but the assailants reportedly used explosives to set the building on fire, overwhelming the tactical team dispatched to defend it.
Following the assault on law enforcement, the group proceeded to the United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA), partially burning the structure before moving to nearby neighborhoods where at least five people were kidnapped.
The identities of the abducted individuals remain unknown. Police spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said monitoring of the situation is ongoing and promised that “further development will be communicated.”
Reacting to the incident, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Niger State, called on federal and state security agencies to establish a permanent military presence in Agwara to prevent future attacks.
Murtala Dantoro, son of the late Emir of Borgu, expressed deep concern over the repeated raids, describing them as turning once-peaceful communities into zones of fear.
He said the attacks have disrupted agriculture, paralysed local economies, and forced families to abandon ancestral homes.
“The lack of adequate security has emboldened criminals, worsening both humanitarian and economic conditions in these areas,” Dantoro added.
Authorities continued to investigate the attacks while urging residents to remain vigilant. The tragic events highlight ongoing security challenges in Niger State as local communities seek protection and stability.
