A chilling kidnap operation at the BUA Cement Plant at Okpella, Etsako East local government area of Edo State on Friday claimed the lives of eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) attached to the company.
A knowledgeable source disclosed this in an account of the tragic incident to journalists in Benin City, the state capital.
According to the inside source, the invading gunmen abducted one of the Chinese nationals, while four other NSCDC officers were injured and currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
A civilian was also said to have been severely injured in the operation.
Four Chinese were however rescued unhurt, he disclosed.
The source said the incident happened on Friday, August 5, 2025, at about 10 pm, when the slain officers were escorting five Chinese nationals after a routine patrol at the company’s entrance.
He said, “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,”
The source further stated that the Edo State Commandant of the agency, Agun Gbenga, has long visited the scene of the crime and the hospital where the injured were being treated.
He also said that joint security operations with sister agencies have commenced, combing the surrounding forests 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,” the source said.