The protest by students of the Delta State University and residents of Abraka town seem to have jolted the police into action.
Four suspected kidnappers were killed by a combine team of policemen and local hunters and volunteers. The criminals were cornered along the railway tracks in Abraka forest.
According to the Delta State police commissioner Abaniwonda Olufemi, the raid was carried out in the early hours of Wednesday. He said firearms were recovered from the hoodlums during the operation.
“During the operation, 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.
“During the gun duel, four of the suspected kidnappers were shot and later gave up the ghost while others escaped with gunshot injuries,” said a statement by the police commissioner.
On Monday students and residents of the quiet Abraka town clashed with the police over the kidnappings and killings in the town. The police dispered the crowd with live firearms, but assured the students the criminals terroring them would be routed.