From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
Suspected terrorists have attacked Agwara local government area and killed one person.
The terrorists also burnt down United Missionary Church of Africa (UMCA) and the Police station.
It was gathered that the terrorists set ablazed the church at 6 o’clock on Sunday morning before heading to another village; Sokonba, close to Kabe which was attacked recently.
Reports revealed that the terrorists took away various food stuffs and other valuable goods.
Speaking, the son of the late Emir, Murtala Dantoro said the repeated attacks by terrorists have turned the once-peaceful communities into zones of fear and uncertainty.
He stated that, “innocent lives are being lost, farmers have abandoned their farmlands, economic activities have paralyzed, and families are forced to flee their ancestral homes in search of safety.
According to Murtala, the security vacuum has emboldened criminals who now operate with little or no resistance, worsening the humanitarian and economic situation in the area.
Speaking, Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger state, Most Rev Bulus Yohanna has made an urgent and passionate appeal to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Army, and relevant security agencies to immediately establish a permanent military formation in Agwara to curb such attacks in the area.
The State Command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO SP Wasiu Abiodun confirmed in a statement issued in Minna, said armed bandits invaded Agwara community, attacked the Police station where they were engaged by the tactical team on ground, used suspected dynamite to set the station ablaze, having overpowered the team.
He added that the terrorists later moved to UMC church in the community, burnt part of the church, proceeded to other areas and abducted about five persons whose identity is yet to be ascertained. Monitoring continues, further development will be communicated.
