Suspected bandits on Wednesday invaded a mining site at Oreke – Oke- Igbo in Kwara State, killing two policemen in the process.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the two policemen, ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah, attached to 45 Police Mobile Force, Abuja, who were on official protective assignment at the location were fatally shot by the gunmen.
It was further gathered that the gunmen also abducted two persons including a Chinese national, Mr. Sam Xie Wie and a native of Kogi State, Mr. David Adenaiye who were working at the mining site at the time of the incident.
Spokesperson of Kwara State Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi who confirmed the killings in a statement on Thursday, said the attackers also carted away the rifles of the deceased officers.
“The Kwara State Police Command confirms a deadly attack and abduction incident that occurred on 4th June, 2025 at about 1830hrs. This heinous act was done at a mining site located in Oreke-Okeigbo of the state.
“Information received from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Oreke indicates that a group of unidentified armed assailants invaded the said mining facility, where they tragically shot and killed two operatives of the Nigeria Police Force—ASP Haruna Watsai and Inspector Tukur Ogah, both attached to 45 PMF, Abuja, who were on official protective assignment at the location. The attackers also carted away the rifles of the deceased officers.
“In addition to the heinous killings, the assailants abducted two individuals: Mr. Sam Xie Wie, a Chinese national, and Mr. David Adenaiye, a native from Kogi State who was working at the mining site at the time of the incident,” the PPRO said.
Ejire-Adeyemi added that the he Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo strongly condemned this act of brutality and assured the public that the Command has since swung into decisive action.
“Tactical and intelligence-driven efforts are currently underway to ensure the swift rescue of the abducted victims and the apprehension of those responsible for this cowardly attack.
“The Command is working in close synergy with other security agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen its presence in the area and prevent a recurrence of such incidents,” the police said.
Residents of the state are urged to remain calm and law-abiding, as the Command assured of its full commitment to the protection of lives and property across the state.
“We appeal to members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could aid the ongoing investigation and recovery efforts,” the statement said.
Ejire-Adeyemi added that further developments will be communicated as investigations progress.
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