Tension as gunmen ambush security operatives in Delta

Unrest has gripped Abraka, a university community in Delta State, after unidentified gunmen suspected to be kidnappers ambushed security operatives in retaliation for a recent crackdown on criminal activities in the area.

The deadly ambush occurred shortly after a joint operation by the police, local vigilantes, and hunters reportedly neutralized four suspected kidnappers in the town. The operation followed the gruesome murder of two residents who were attacked while entering the bush for a land transaction on Wednesday.

In a swift response to the killing, security operatives launched a coordinated raid with the help of local forces, leading to a fatal shootout in which four abductors were gunned down. However, the success of the operation was quickly followed by an ambush set by unknown gunmen, resulting in casualties among the security team. While details are still emerging, some officers are feared dead or injured.

A resident, Marcus Dafe, who joined the Monday protest against kidnapping in Abraka, which security agents disrupted, was said to have been shot dead by supposed kidnappers.

Both sides engaged in a shootout, but the police recovered and took away the two remains.

Not satisfied, the assailants, on a revenge mission for the killing of their gang leader and three others, mounted a siege on vehicles entering the Abraka community.

The Divisional Police Officer, DPO, mobilised to the area, but the kidnappers, who had laid an ambush for them, opened fire on the security operatives.

At the time of filing this report, the number of casualties was not ascertained; however, reports have it that they injured some security operatives.

Abraka was tense on Wednesday, which likely prompted the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, to summon an emergency security meeting today in Asaba.

The police had earlier on Wednesday claimed a major victory with the killing of four kidnappers troubling the Abraka community and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle.

The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, said the joint operation was carried out on Wednesday at about 0300 hrs, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers along the Abraka Railway axis.

“The joint operatives comprising the police, hunters, vigilantes, and anti-cult volunteers engaged the suspected kidnappers and recovered one AK-47 rifle, along with thirteen rounds of live ammunition.

“Four of the suspected kidnappers were shot during the gun duel and later gave up the ghost, while others escaped with gunshot injuries.

“During a preliminary investigation, a recently rescued kidnapped victim identified one of the deceased suspects as a leader of the gang that kidnapped him,” he said.

Meanwhile, the ambush on the security operatives triggered a fresh tension in the town, with the authorities of Delta State University, DELSU, Abraka, temporarily halting academic activities.