Gunmen Kill Eight NSCDC Operatives, Abduct Chinese Expatriate in Okpella, Edo State
Tragedy struck late Friday night in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, when suspected kidnappers killed eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and a civilian during an attack at the BUA Cement site.
The heavily armed assailants reportedly laid ambush at the company’s entrance around 10 p.m., targeting five expatriates. A gun battle ensued, leaving several NSCDC officers dead. While four expatriates were rescued, the gunmen escaped into the bush with one Chinese national.
A source disclosed:
“The attackers opened fire sporadically, engaging NSCDC operatives in a gun duel. Despite the loss of personnel, NSCDC operatives successfully rescued four expatriates. The armed group escaped with one abducted expatriate. The injured officers were evacuated and are receiving medical care.”
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The Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC, Agun Gbenga, was said to have visited both the crime scene and the hospital where injured officers are being treated. The Corps’ spokesperson in Edo, Efosa Ogbebor, confirmed the incident, adding that an official statement would be issued from the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja.
Passengers Abducted on Benin–Auchi Road
Meanwhile, along the Benin–Auchi Road, gunmen attacked an 18-seater bus belonging to the state-owned New Edo Line and a Toyota Corolla on Friday evening, abducting several passengers.
Police spokesperson Moses Yamu confirmed that 16 of the kidnapped victims have been rescued, while joint operations with vigilantes and local hunters are ongoing to free others.
“Sixteen of the victims have been rescued so far, as search and rescue operations by the Command in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters continue. The incident happened Friday 5/9/2025 at about 1630hrs,” Yamu stated.
The twin incidents have heightened concerns about rising insecurity in Edo State, with residents calling for tighter security measures along highways and around critical infrastructure.
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