The Edo State Police Command has assured that those responsible for the gruesome killing of eight operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area, will be tracked down and brought to justice.
The operatives, attached to the BUA Cement Factory, were ambushed last week by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers. During the attack, a Chinese national was abducted, while four other victims were rescued. Another four sustained varying degrees of injuries and are receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, in a statement after the incident, described the slain personnel as “patriots whose labour and sacrifice will never be forgotten.” He added that the Corps would take responsibility for the burial arrangements and welfare of the bereaved families, as well as cover medical expenses for the injured operatives.
On Monday, the NSCDC spokesperson in Edo State, Efosa Ogbebor, confirmed that investigations were ongoing and noted that the Corps’ national headquarters had assumed responsibility for all necessary welfare measures.
Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, on Tuesday visited the scene of the ambush in Okpella for an on-the-spot assessment.
In a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, Agbonika condemned the incident, describing it as “a dastardly act that will not go unpunished.”
He further commiserated with the NSCDC, assuring that the police were intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted expatriate.
“The Edo State Police Command remains steadfast in its duty to protect lives and property. We will not relent until those behind this heinous crime are identified and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the Commissioner stated.