Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly killed eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
DAILY POST reports that the Public Relations Officer of the agency in the state, Ogbebor Efosa, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, September 6, 2025, in Benin City.
Efosa said the officers were attached to the BUA Cement Factory located in the Okpella community in the state.
He said the gunmen abducted one of the Chinese expatriates, four persons were injured and are receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, while one civilian was fatally wounded.
He also added that four Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt.
The command’s image maker said the incident happened 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.
According to him, 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 said.
Efosa explained that the Edo State Commandant of the agency, Agun Gbenga, has visited the scene of the crime and the hospital where the injured are being treated.
He added 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,” he stated.
