Policemen, one other feared dead in Delta kidnap attempt

Two mobile policemen and a driver of an SUV were feared dead on Monday night in a violent encounter with suspected kidnappers on Jakpa Road, Uvwie Local Government Area, Delta State.

The incident occurred during an attempted abduction of a woman who was in the vehicle.

According to reports, the suspected kidnappers targeted the vehicle, attempting to whisk away the woman, but the situation quickly escalated into a deadly confrontation. The fate of the three individuals the two policemen and the driver remains uncertain, although they are feared dead.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, responded to inquiries regarding the incident, confirming that the attempted kidnapping was successfully foiled. However, he could not immediately confirm the deaths of the policemen and the driver.

In a statement provided via WhatsApp to the News360 Nigeria, SP Edafe revealed that the police recovered three AK-47 rifles and a vehicle from the fleeing suspects. The kidnappers reportedly managed to escape the scene, leaving behind the weapons and vehicle.

The incident has heightened tensions in the area, with residents expressing concerns over the rising insecurity and the boldness of criminal elements operating in the state.

The police have launched a manhunt for the suspects as investigations continue into the failed abduction and the circumstances leading to the deaths of the policemen and the driver.

“She wasn’t kidnapped, it was foiled, three AK 47 rifles and their operational vehicle recovered while the hoodlums escaped “, he said.

” The death of the men not confirmed yet “, he later added in a phone call to our reporter.

A resident on Jakpa road who spoke anonymously said pedestrians and motorists scampered for safety when the sound of gunshots rented the air. ” We all ran for our lives as we heard gunshots. Some residents quickly ran into their houses and locked their doors. “, he said.

According to the neighbourhood sources, they saw the mobile policemen and civilians who were shot but couldn’t say if they died.

” We saw blood. We saw three persons shot but we don’t know if they died. Although they appeared dead. “, some said.

News360 Nigeria gathered that the ugly incident also triggered panic at the ever-busy Effurun market which is less than two kilometres from where the incident occured.

Some traders hurriedly closed shop for the night while buyers also hastily bought items and hopped into commercial Keke heading to their destinations.