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The Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Yohanna, has raised alarm over renewed terrorist attacks in Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State.
Yohanna called on the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately establish a permanent military formation in the area.
The bishop’s appeal followed a fresh attack in the early hours of Sunday when suspected terrorists stormed Agwara, setting ablaze the United Missionary Church of Africa, UMCA, and the Agwara Police Station.
According to reports, the attackers struck around dawn, burning the church and police facility before moving towards another community, Sokonba, near Kabe, where similar attacks had recently occurred.
During the raid, the terrorists reportedly carted away foodstuffs and other valuables and killed an elderly woman in Kabe town as well as kidnapped unconfirmed number of persons.
Reacting to the incident, Bishop Yohanna described the situation as intolerable, stressing that security in Agwara has completely collapsed.
“This is not a luxury; it is a necessity. A visible, stationed military presence will deter criminal activities, restore confidence among residents, enable displaced persons to return home, and allow farmers to safely go back to their fields,” he said.
He added, “Enough is enough. The people of Agwara deserve peace, protection, and the right to live without fear. Security is the foundation of development, and without it, no meaningful progress can be achieved.
“We are deeply concerned about the security situation and wonder why there has been no permanent action. These terrorists now move freely without challenge. Presently, the rule of law no longer functions in North Borgu. They roam about both day and night without being confronted.
“As I speak, they are gradually turning the once-peaceful Borgu Emirate into a ‘terrorist emirate’ by killing the people, forcing many to flee, and coercing some into becoming informants.”
Also speaking on the development, the son of the late Emir, Murtala Dantoro, said the repeated attacks have turned formerly peaceful communities into zones of fear and uncertainty.
According to him, “Innocent lives are being lost, farmers are abandoning their farmlands, economic activities have collapsed, and families are fleeing their homes in search of safety”
“These attacks are not isolated incidents; they are persistent and escalating. The absence of a permanent and well-equipped military formation in Agwara has left the people vulnerable and exposed.”
He added that the security vacuum has emboldened criminals to operate with little or no resistance, worsening the humanitarian and economic situation in the area.
Dantoro further noted that Agwara is a strategic part of Niger State, warning that continued neglect poses serious risks not only to residents but also to neighbouring communities.
Confirming the attacks, the state Police command through its Public Relations Officer, SP Abiodunn said on 1/2/26 at about 3.40am, armed bandits invaded Agwara community, attacked the Police station where they were engaged by the tactical team on ground.
He explained that the assailants used suspected dynamite to set the station ablaze, having overpowered the security operatives..
The terrorists later moved to UMC church in the community, burnt part of the church, and proceeded to other areas where they abducted about five persons whose identity is yet to be ascertained.
