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Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has suspended all academic activities following a wave of deadly violence linked to a kidnapping-related shootout that left four suspects dead and sparked rising ethnic tensions in the town.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Samuel Asagba, announced the suspension in a statement on Wednesday urging students to remain indoors until the situation is brought under control.
“Due to the security situation in Abraka town, I have directed all our students to remain indoors today… until Management is certain of the safety of both staff and students,” the statement read.
“Consequently, lectures and other academic activities will not hold today, Thursday, June 5, 2025.”
The announcement comes as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori convened an emergency security meeting at the Government House to address the escalating crisis.
The crisis began after a group of local hunters, railway workers, and police officers clashed with suspected kidnappers near the Makati Bichi area, close to the Abraka railway station. According to local reports, the kidnappers—allegedly armed herdsmen—opened fire, triggering a violent gun battle that left four suspects dead.
In the aftermath, ethnic reprisals erupted. Indigenes reportedly attacked Hausa residents, blaming them for the spate of kidnappings in the region. Several Hausa civilians were assaulted, and threats to burn Hausa quarters in Abraka were issued by angry mobs.
“They saw people on the farm and killed two men,” one resident claimed, referring to retaliatory attacks.
“The indigenes of Abraka are currently attacking all Hausa persons on sight,” another source added.
Tensions had already been simmering due to recent student protests against rising kidnapping cases targeting university students and locals. Multiple sources confirmed that two policemen were also killed in related clashes.
“There has been an increase in kidnapping lately… that led to what happened today,” a student told Reporters.
“Now Hausas here are entering the street with knives and cutlasses.”
Images and videos obtained by Sahara Reporters show bloodied bodies burning buildings, and armed youths roaming the streets of Abraka.
Authorities fear the situation could spiral into a full-blown ethnic conflict if not urgently addressed.
