Security operatives in Abraka community, Delta State, were ambushed by suspected kidnappers after four abductors were killed in a joint operation between the police, vigilantes, and hunters.
According to online reports, some security officers were feared dead in the shoot-out, which comes on the heels of a conflict between residents of Abraka and northerners in the community over the ensnarement.
It was gathered that two residents who went to make a land transaction in the bush on Wednesday were killed, spurring the police into action.
In a mobilisation effort, police officers, local hunters, and vigilantes went to the scene of the crime.
A resident named Marcus Dafe, who took part in a protest on Monday against insecurity in the town, was reportedly shot dead by the kidnappers.
Two bodies were recovered by the police in the ensuing confrontation.
In a reprisal attack for the killing of their gang leader and three others, the abductors laid a siege on vehicles making their way into Abraka.
News of the ambush reached the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), who immediately mobilised to the area. But the kidnappers, who had been waiting, opened fire on them.
As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties was yet to be confirmed, but reports reveal that some security operatives were injured.