ABRAKA, DELTA STATE – June 4, 2025 – Ethnic tension gripped the town of Abraka on Wednesday following a deadly security operation that led to the killing of four suspected kidnappers by a joint team of police operatives and local hunters.
The incident occurred in the Makati Bichi area near the Abraka railway station, and has since triggered retaliatory violence allegedly targeting Hausa residents in the area, raising fears of a wider ethnic conflict.
According to residents, the operation was launched in the early hours of Wednesday after police received intelligence on the hideout of suspected kidnappers operating in the area.
“There have been numerous kidnappings since the start of the year. So this morning, police officers, local hunters, and railway workers went into the bush near Makati Bichi to rescue some kidnap victims,”.
“They encountered armed men believed to be herders involved in kidnapping. A shootout ensued, and four of the suspects were killed. Some ransom money was reportedly found on them.”
However, violence escalated later in the day when, according to eyewitnesses, some individuals believed to be of northern extraction allegedly retaliated by attacking local farmers, resulting in the killing of two men.
In the wake of the incident, mobs reportedly began targeting Hausa residents. “Indigenes of Abraka are now attacking Hausa people on sight,” another source said. “There are threats to burn down the Hausa Quarters in town.”
The development comes on the heels of a recent protest by students of Delta State University, Abraka, over the rising spate of abductions in the area.
“There has been an increase in kidnapping here, and students recently protested. Today’s incident, where the police killed four suspected kidnappers, sparked claims that the suspects were innocent. Now, tensions have exploded, with people roaming the streets with weapons,” a student who witnessed the unrest said.
Graphic videos and photos obtained by an on disclosed source show scenes of violence and panic: bloodied bodies, armed youths, and homes in Hausa-dominated areas being targeted.
In an official statement, the Delta State Police Command confirmed the deaths of the four suspects during the operation, which it described as “intelligence-led” and involving a coalition of security agents and community-based groups.
Police spokesperson SP Edafe Bright stated: “The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough following a coordinated operation by the Abraka patrol team, local hunters, and anti-cult volunteers. The operation led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with thirteen rounds of live ammunition and the death of four suspected kidnappers.”
The police said the operation took place around 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday and noted that one of the deceased suspects was identified by a rescued victim as the leader of the kidnapping gang.
Authorities have yet to confirm the number of civilian casualties resulting from the retaliatory violence or whether arrests have been made in connection with the unrest. Tensions remain high as residents fear further reprisals.
