A group of gunmen ambushed police officers who were on a rescue mission after abducting a female real estate agent identified as Esther in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. The incident occurred on Monday, following a farmer’s kidnapping in Issele-Azagba—another community in the state, few days ago.
Sources revealed that armed men attacked when Esther, alongside three colleagues was inspecting a plot of land near the Nigeria Admiralty University. While the others managed to escape, she was forcibly taken by the perpetrators. The assailants also opened fire on their vehicle—critically wounding one of the survivors who is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
In an attempt to rescue the victim, a team of police officers was deployed but fell into an ambush by the kidnappers. Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe affirmed the incident, asserting that while a police officer sustained gunshot wounds, there were no casualties.
Security agencies are strengthening efforts to track down the culprits and ensure Esther’s safe return. Residents have raised concerns over the increasing cases of kidnappings in the region, thereby calling for stronger security measures to combat the menace.