Suspected bandits on Sunday launched an attack on Sokombara community in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, setting a police station and a church ablaze.

During the assault, the attackers reportedly killed an elderly woman, abducted five residents, and carted away food supplies and other valuables belonging to villagers.

The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident through its Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, who said the armed men invaded the community and confronted security operatives at the local police station.

According to him, the attackers overpowered the tactical team on duty and allegedly used explosives to raze the facility before moving to a United Methodist Church (UMC), where part of the building was also set on fire.

“They later advanced into other parts of the community and abducted about five persons whose identities have not yet been confirmed. Security monitoring and operations are ongoing,” Abiodun stated.

The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents recorded in Agwara communities since the abduction and subsequent release of Papiri schoolchildren and staff in late 2025.