Suspected kidnappers on Friday night reportedly killed eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) assigned to the BUA Cement Factory in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
According to a senior officer of the NSCDC Edo State Command, who confirmed the attack on Saturday, the gunmen ambushed the officers around 10 p.m. as they escorted five Chinese expatriates following a routine patrol near the company’s entrance.
During the assault, one of the expatriates—a Chinese national—was abducted, while four others were rescued. Additionally, four individuals sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
“Eight of our members were indeed killed by kidnappers, but an official statement will be released later today from the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja,” the officer said.
In response to the incident, NSCDC State Commandant, Agun Gbenga, visited both the attack site and the hospital where the wounded are being treated. He assured that investigations are ongoing and that the command is working with other security agencies to track down the perpetrators.
Joint security operations have since commenced in the surrounding forest areas, with personnel from various sister agencies participating in a coordinated manhunt.
Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, police authorities confirmed the rescue of 16 kidnapped passengers along the Benin–Auchi Road in Edo State. The victims were reportedly abducted on Friday while en route to Abuja and were forced into the nearby forest by armed assailants.
Edo State Police Command spokesperson, Moses Yamu, said the rescue operation was carried out by a combined team of police operatives, vigilantes, and local hunters.
“The kidnapping occurred on Friday at about 16:30 hours. Sixteen victims have been rescued so far, and the search and rescue mission is still ongoing,” Yamu stated.
These incidents underscore the growing security challenges facing Edo State, as authorities intensify efforts to restore safety and bring the perpetrators to justice.
