Gunmen suspected to be bandits have once again struck in Niger State, killing an elderly woman, abducting five residents, and setting fire to a church and a police station in Agwara Local Government Area
. The United Missionary Church of Africa in Agwara was torched, and the local police station also fell victim to the attack.
According to reports, the attackers struck the church at around 6 a.m., then moved to the neighboring village of Sokonba, looting food and valuables before killing a resident in Kabe town and abducting five others.
Murtala Dantoro, son of the late Emir, said the repeated attacks had plunged the communities into fear and uncertainty.
“Innocent lives are being lost, farmers are abandoning their farmlands, and families are fleeing in search of safety.
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These attacks are escalating, and the lack of a permanent military presence leaves us vulnerable,” he said.
The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, urged the federal government and security agencies to establish a permanent military formation in Agwara.
“This is not a luxury but a necessity. A visible security presence will deter criminals, restore confidence, and allow displaced residents to return home safely,” he said.
Reacting to the attack, Niger State Police spokesperson Wasiu Abiodun confirmed engagement with the attackers.
On February 1, armed bandits attacked the Agwara police station. Our tactical team responded, but the bandits used suspected dynamite to set the station ablaze before moving on to the church and abducting five persons. Monitoring continues,” he said.
Niger State has recently seen a surge in banditry, including the abduction of over 300 students and 12 teachers from St Mary’s School in Papiri in November 2025, and deadly attacks across Agwara in early January 2026.
Residents warn that without urgent action, these attacks could further destabilize the region.