Daredevil gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) attached to the BUA Cement Factory located in Okpella, Etsako East local government area of Edo State.
NSCDC spokesperson in the state, Ogbebor Efosa, revealed this in a statement made available to Journalists in Benin City, the state capital.
Efosa narrated that the gunmen also abducted one of the Chinese expatriates while four persons were injured and currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, while one civilian badly injured.
He also added that four Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt.
The NSCDC’s state Public Relations Officer said the incident occurred on Friday, August 5, 2025, at about 10 pm, when the officers were escorting five Chinese expatriates after a routine patrol at the company’s entrance.
“The suspected kidnappers, armed with sophisticated weapons, ambushed the NSCDC personnel attached to BUA Cement Company, Okpella, Etsako East LGA, Edo State.
“The attackers laid an ambush at the company’s entrance. They 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 into the bush with one abducted expatriate. The surviving NSCDC personnel repelled further assault and secured four expatriates safely.
“The injured officers were evacuated and are receiving medical care,” he explained
Edo State NSCDC Commandant, Agun Gbenga has visited the scene of the crime and the hospital where the injured were receiving treatment.
Efosa also said that joint security operations with sister agencies have commenced, combing the surrounding forest in pursuit of the perpetrators.
“As I speak with you, our personnel and other security agencies are combing the bush through which the kidnappers escaped. We are making every effort to ensure that the abducted expatriate is freed unhurt and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” Efosa said.
