Fresh violence erupted in Abraka, Delta State on Wednesday following a deadly clash between security operatives and suspected kidnappers that left four suspects dead.
The incident, which took place in the popular McCarthy Beach Area near the railway station, has sparked a wave of reprisals targeting residents of northern extraction, with fears of full-scale ethnic conflict.
According to SaharaReporters, a source said, “There has been a lot of kidnappings since the beginning of this year. So early this morning [Wednesday], some local hunters, railway station workers, and the police at McCarthy Beach area went to rescue some kidnapped victims.
“So they were encountered by some herdsmen who are kidnappers, they had guns. Some of them even had some of the ransom money that they collected, and so many, many things. They started shooting, and the police and the hunters successfully killed some of the kidnappers.
“So later this afternoon, some northerners got angry and entered into the bush. They saw people on the farm and killed two men.”
“The deceased persons were later taken by the police to their station,” the resident added.
Another source privy to the aftermath of the operation said; “Due to the recent kidnappings and insecurities, few of the kidnappers were caught and killed today.”
The source added: “And they were identified as Hausa persons. Two policemen were attacked and killed as well by the kidnappers, so we heard. So the indigenes of Abraka are currently attacking all Hausa persons on sight.
“They are also threatening to burn down the Hausa Quarters at Abraka this evening.”
It was gathered that the tension appears to have escalated following a recent student protest against the rising wave of abductions in the area.
A student explained that “There has been an increase in kidnapping lately here in Abraka so students protested about it… that led to what happened today where four kidnappers were killed by the police. So in response, the Hausas here were like those guys are innocent. Now they are entering the street with knives and cutlasses.”
“If you school in Abraka, Delta State, or have any relative that school there, tell them to stay safe,” the student source added.
Multiple videos and photos circulating online show chaotic scenes across Abraka, including groups of angry people roaming the streets.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Wednesday, the Delta State Police Command confirmed a joint operation that led to the killing of suspected kidnappers.
The statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer SP Edafe Bright, said, “The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough following a coordinated intelligence-led joint operation of the Abraka police patrol team and local hunters and members of Anti-Cult volunteers, which led to the recovery of firearms and death of four suspected kidnappers.”
The statement added: “The joint operation was carried out today being 4/06/2025 at about 03:00 hrs, following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers along the Abraka Railway axis.
“During the operation, joint operatives comprising of the Police, hunters, vigilante and anti-cult volunteers engaged the suspected kidnappers and recovered one AK-47 rifle, along with thirteen rounds of live ammunition.
“During the gun duel, four of the suspected kidnappers were shot and later gave up the ghost while others escaped with gunshot injuries.”
The statement also confirmed that one of the deceased suspects was identified by a recently rescued victim as the gang leader responsible for his abduction.