Police searching for illegal arms in the volatile delta region, were ambushed by armed locals. Three police were killed and five injured. Some 27 civilians and rebels were killed. Most of the unrest is over disputes on who gets payments extorted from oil companies to keep the locals from attacking oil facilities and staff. In the southwest town of Owo, 31 people were arrested for possessing illegal arms. The area has seen much violence as different factions battle over which tribal chief will preside over the annual Yam festival.