Gunmen unleashed terror late Saturday, killing eight operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps alongside a civilian in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
The assailants, believed to be kidnappers, reportedly abducted a Chinese expatriate working at the BUA Cement plant.
In a separate incident, passengers traveling in an 18-seater bus belonging to New Edo Line and a Toyota Corolla were ambushed on the Benin-Akure highway Friday night.
The attackers whisked them into the forest.
Police, however, confirmed that some of the abductees have been rescued.
State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said, “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 @ about 1630hrs.”
On the Okpella tragedy, Yamu explained that details were still being awaited.
Reports revealed that the attack near the BUA Cement site occurred around 10 p.m. Friday.
The gunmen, said to be targeting five expatriates, succeeded in taking one captive while four others were freed.
A source familiar with the incident disclosed, “The attackers laid 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 injured officers were evacuated and are receiving medical care.”
It was further gathered that the Edo State NSCDC Commandant, Agun Gbenga, visited both the crime scene and the hospital where the injured officers are undergoing treatment.
The Command’s spokesperson, Efosa Ogbebor, confirmed the attack but noted that an official statement would be issued from the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja.