Terrorists launched a violent overnight attack on Agwara community in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, setting the town’s Police Divisional Headquarters and the First United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) on fire.
SaharaReporters gathered that the assault occurred around midnight, causing widespread panic as residents fled in fear.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, security analyst Bakatsine said armed bandits had overrun the town, overpowering any resistance and operating for several hours without interference.
Residents reported that the assailants remain in and around the community, subjecting civilians to violence and intimidation while security response remains minimal.
Videos circulating online show the burnt remains of both the Agwara Police Divisional Headquarters and the First UMCA Church, highlighting the destruction caused during the coordinated attack that continued into the early hours.
Community members expressed frustration over the lack of security presence during and after the attack, raising fears of potential follow-up assaults due to the absence of visible reinforcements.
The incident comes days after an alleged Nigerian Air Force airstrike on Kurgi community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday, January 25, 2026, which reportedly killed two people, left three others severely injured and without limbs, and caused panic among residents.
Sources in the community said the strike affected both Muslims and Christians, describing it as indiscriminate. One resident recounted how a man sitting in front of a church was hit in the stomach by a bullet while attempting to flee the aircraft.
Residents described the attacks as shocking and unprovoked, calling on authorities to urgently investigate the incidents and provide medical assistance to those affected.
