Residents of Agwara community in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State were thrown into panic after suspected terrorists launched a coordinated overnight attack, setting key public buildings ablaze.
The assailants reportedly struck around midnight, torching the Agwara Police Divisional Headquarters and the First United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA), forcing residents to flee their homes in fear.
A security analyst, Bakatsine, confirmed the incident on Sunday via a security alert, stating that armed bandits overran the town, overwhelmed any resistance, and operated freely for several hours.
Local residents said the attackers were still believed to be in and around the community, continuing to intimidate civilians as security response remained slow.
They lamented that repeated distress calls went unanswered during and after the attack.
Videos shared online showed the charred remains of both the police station and the church, which were razed during the coordinated assault that stretched into the early hours of the day.
Fears of a follow-up attack have grown among residents, who say no visible security reinforcements have been deployed to the area.
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The latest incident comes amid rising security concerns in Niger State. SaharaReporters had earlier reported that an alleged Nigerian Air Force airstrike in Kurgi community, Mariga Local Government Area, on January 25, 2026, killed two people, left three others amputated, and seriously injured six more.
Community sources described the airstrike as indiscriminate, affecting both Muslims and Christians, and causing widespread panic that forced residents to flee to neighbouring areas.
Locals have continued to call on authorities to urgently investigate the incidents, restore security, and provide medical assistance to victims caught in the violence.