By Amah
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Armed terrorists have again struck Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, with a church emerging as a central target in a coordinated early-morning raid that also saw a police station razed and at least five residents abducted.
The attack, which occurred about 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, has sent shockwaves through the predominantly Christian community, coming months after the traumatic abduction of about 300 pupils, students, and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in the same area.
Although those victims were later released, residents say the latest assault has reopened old wounds and deepened fears of continued persecution and insecurity.
Eyewitnesses said the terrorists arrived on motorcycles, parking several kilometres outside the town before trekking in under the cover of darkness. They reportedly overran the local police station first, forcing officers on duty to retreat before setting the facility ablaze.
The attackers then turned their attention to the United African Missionary Church, UAMC, also known as YMCA, where they reportedly set the entire church building on fire.
A monthly night vigil was said to have been scheduled at the church, but worshippers had dispersed and fled after receiving alerts about the unfolding attack, narrowly escaping harm.
Confirming the incident, Reverend Yakubu Yohanna described the destruction of the church as total.
“The town was invaded by bandits, and they came straight to our church,” he said. “They did not meet anyone inside, but they burnt the church building and everything in it. For now, no life has been lost, but many people are still hiding, and we are waiting for them to return so we can fully assess the damage.”
Beyond the church and police station, residents said the assailants went from house to house, carting away foodstuffs and other valuables, while abducting at least five persons.
The Niger State Police Command later confirmed the attack.
According to the Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, a Superintendent of Police, the police station was attacked at about 3:40 a.m.
According to him: “Armed bandits attacked the police station, set it ablaze, and also burnt part of a church in Agwara community.
“Police tactical teams engaged the attackers but were overpowered. The assailants used suspected dynamite to set the station on fire.”
