Crime

Bandits Unleash Chaos in Niger State, Set Church and Police Station Ablaze, Abduct Locals

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on February 1st, 2026.

Residents of a community in Niger State were thrown into fear and confusion after armed bandits launched a coordinated attack that left a church and a police station in ruins and several locals abducted.

According to eyewitness accounts, the attackers stormed the area in large numbers, firing sporadically to scare residents and force them indoors before setting key buildings on fire. The church, which serves as a central place of worship and refuge for the community, was completely razed, while the nearby police station was also torched, crippling security presence in the area.

The assault reportedly lasted several hours, during which the bandits moved freely through the community. In the chaos, an undisclosed number of residents were seized and taken away to an unknown location. Families of the abducted victims have been left devastated, with many expressing fears over the safety of their loved ones.

Local sources said the attackers appeared well-armed and organized, suggesting prior knowledge of the area. The destruction of the police station has further heightened concerns among residents, who now feel exposed to further attacks.

Security operatives have since been deployed to the area, and efforts are reportedly underway to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted residents. Authorities have condemned the attack, describing it as a direct assault on public safety and communal peace.

Community leaders have called on the government to strengthen security in rural areas of the state, warning that continued attacks could force residents to abandon their homes. They also appealed for urgent intervention to prevent further loss of lives and property.

As investigations continue, the affected community remains on edge, grappling with the aftermath of the violence and hoping for the safe return of those taken during the

attack.