A recent incident in Delta State, Nigeria, has raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens and law enforcement officers. On Tuesday, some gunmen ambushed policemen who were on a rescue operation after a female real estate agent, Esther, was abducted in Ibusa community, Oshimili North Local Government Area
According to eyewitnesses, Esther and three of her colleagues were inspecting a piece of land close to the Nigeria Admiralty University when they were attacked by the gunmen. The assailants shot at the vehicle, and while the others escaped, Esther was taken away. One of those who escaped sustained bullet wounds and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, stating that some police officers were ambushed while on a rescue mission, and one officer was shot but not killed.
This incident occurred barely four days after gunmen kidnapped a farmer in Issele-Azagba area of the state. The recurring incidents of kidnapping and ambushes in Delta State have raised concerns about the ability of law enforcement agencies to protect citizens and themselves.
In a similar incident in February 2024, six police officers were killed in an ambush while on a rescue mission in Ughelli, Delta State
The Nigeria Police Force has been working to address the security challenges in the state, but the recent incidents highlight the need for sustained efforts to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.
The incident has also sparked concerns about the potential risks faced by real estate agents and other professionals who work in high-risk areas. The police and other law enforcement agencies must work to provide adequate security and support to these individuals to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
