By Sodeeq Kamsela, Abuja
Fear and confusion gripped Agwara town in Niger State on Sunday morning after armed men stormed the area, set key buildings on fire and abducted several residents during an overnight attack.
Agwara, which serves as the headquarters of Agwara Local Government Area, came under siege around 2 a.m. when the attackers reportedly entered the town in large numbers.
The incident is the second major attack on the council area, where a major kidnapping occured last year in nearby Papiri, where over 200 teachers and students were abducted before they were later rescued by federal authorities.
Residents said the gunmen first targeted the town’s police station, located on the outskirts. The facility was set ablaze after officers on duty fled when they were overwhelmed by the number of attackers. Witnesses said the assailants poured petrol on the building before burning it. It was not immediately clear if any equipment or weapons were taken.
After destroying the station, the attackers moved into the town and attacked the United African Missionary Church, where a night vigil was ongoing. The church was also burnt after the invaders reportedly gathered benches, doused them with fuel and set them on fire.
Several worshippers attending the vigil were taken away, while others escaped by running into nearby bushes.
Locals said the gunmen also went from house to house, looting food items and basic supplies before leaving the community.
As of the time of reporting, no deaths had been officially confirmed, but many residents were still missing as families tried to locate those who fled during the attack.
A church leader, Reverend Yakubu Yohanna, confirmed that members of the community had started returning from hiding but said many were still in the bush for fear of another strike. He added that no fatality had been recorded so far.
Police authorities and the Niger State Government had yet to release an official statement on the incident.
