University Shutdown As Tension With Kidnappers Rises

Due to worsening violence and insecurity in Abraka, DELSU has halted all academic activities indefinitely to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Delta State University (DELSU) has suspended all academic activities without giving a specific date for resumption.

This decision comes after serious violence broke out in Abraka, the town where the university is located.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, announced the suspension in a statement on Wednesday. He said the move was necessary to protect students and staff due to the rising insecurity in the area.

“I wish to inform you all that due to the security situation in Abraka town, I have directed all our students to remain indoors today, Thursday, June 5, 2025, until Management is certain of the safety of both staff and students,” the statement said.

“Consequently, lectures and other academic activities will not hold today, Thursday, June 5, 2025. Let us all hope for a return to normality after the public holidays.”

The situation worsened after a deadly clash between security forces and suspected kidnappers on Wednesday morning. The fight happened in the Makati Bichi area near the railway station. Reports say four suspected kidnappers were killed.

Eyewitnesses said the rescue mission was carried out by local hunters, police officers, and railway workers trying to free kidnapped victims.

One resident said, “There have been a lot of kidnappings since the beginning of this year. So early this morning (Wednesday), some local hunters, railway station workers, and the police at Makati Bichi area went to rescue some kidnapped victims.”

The witness added, “So they were encountered by some herdsmen who were kidnappers; they had guns. Some of them even had some of the ransom money that they collected. They started shooting, and the police and the hunters successfully killed some of the kidnappers.”

After the clash, ethnic tensions grew when it was revealed that the suspected kidnappers were Hausa. Reports soon followed of attacks targeting Hausa people in Abraka.

Another source said, “Due to the recent kidnappings and insecurities, a few of the kidnappers were caught and killed today. They were identified as Hausa persons. Two policemen were also attacked and killed by the kidnappers, so we heard. Now the indigenes of Abraka are attacking all Hausa persons on sight. They are also threatening to burn down the Hausa Quarters at Abraka this evening.”

The unrest came after students had earlier protested the rise in kidnappings. A student explained, “There has been an increase in kidnapping lately here in Abraka, so students protested about it… that led to what happened today where four kidnappers were killed by the police. So in response, the Hausas here were like those guys are innocent. Now they are entering the street with knives and cutlasses.”

The student also warned, “If you school in Abraka, Delta State, or have any relative that schools there, tell them to stay safe.”

Source: 9jaNews
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