Fear As Gunmen Strike Niger Community
Armed attackers stormed Agwara, the headquarters of Agwara Local Government Area in Niger State, in the early hours of Sunday, setting fire to the only police station and a church in the community.
The raid left residents terrified and forced many to flee into nearby bushes for safety.
The attackers arrived around 2am in large numbers, parking their motorcycles outside the town before moving in on foot.
They first targeted the police station, pouring petrol on the building and setting it alight after officers on duty fled.
From there, they moved into the town, looting homes and taking away food and other supplies.
The group later attacked the United African Missionary Church, burning it down after abducting some worshippers who had stayed back for an end-of-month night vigil.
Others managed to escape and ran into the bush, where many residents are still hiding as fear grips the area.
A church leader confirmed that no deaths have been recorded so far, though several villagers remain unaccounted for.
As of the time of reporting, there has been no official response from the police or the state government.
Agwara has previously suffered a major abduction incident, raising fresh worries among locals about security in the area.
