Terrorists Launch Arson Attacks on Church and Police Station in North-Central Nigeria

Suspected terrorists have attacked Angwara Local Government Area in Niger State, north-central Nigeria, killing one person and setting fire to a church and a police station in the community.

The attackers reportedly burned down the United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) and razed the local police station during the assault.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said armed bandits invaded the community and attacked the police station, where they were initially confronted by a tactical police team deployed to the area.

According to Abiodun, the attackers later overpowered the security personnel and “used suspected dynamite to set the station ablaze.”

He added that the assailants subsequently moved to the UMCA church, where they set part of the building on fire, before proceeding to other parts of the community and abducting about five people. The identities of the abducted victims have yet to be confirmed.

Abiodun said security agencies were continuing to monitor the situation and that “further developments will be communicated.”