The Niger State Police Command has confirmed that suspected armed bandits set fire to a police station and part of a church in Agwara community in the early hours of Sunday.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said in a statement on Sunday in Minna that the attack occurred at around 3:40 am when the attackers stormed the Agwara police station.
According to Abiodun, the police tactical team on duty engaged the attackers but the bandits eventually overpowered the officers and reportedly used dynamite to set the station on fire.
Newslodge had earlier reported that Agwara town in Agwara Local Government Area was attacked on Saturday night when armed bandits invaded the community.
Videos circulating on social media showed that important public and religious facilities were set on fire during the assault.
Among the destroyed structures were the Agwara Police Divisional Headquarters and the First Church of the UMCA, both reportedly burnt down during the overnight raid that continued into Sunday morning.
The attackers also moved to the United Methodist Church, UMC, in the community, where they burned part of the church building.
The police spokesperson added that the bandits later spread to other areas of Agwara, kidnapping about five residents, whose identities are yet to be confirmed.
“The situation is being monitored and further developments will be communicated in due course,” Abiodun said, noting that security agencies have launched investigations and intensified efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and rescue the kidnapped victims.