Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Friday night killed eight officials of the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and abducted a Chinese expatriate in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area.
The attackers also injured four NSCDC operatives and one civilian, who are currently receiving treatment in hospital.
The slain officers, attached to BUA Cement Company, were reportedly escorting five expatriates back to base when they were ambushed near the company’s gate.
According to security sources, the heavily armed gunmen opened fire, killing eight officers instantly. Four expatriates were rescued, but one was abducted.
Confirming the attack, an NSCDC official said:
“Eight officers were killed, while five others, including a civilian, sustained injuries. One Chinese expatriate was abducted, while four were rescued unhurt.”
NSCDC Edo Command spokesperson, Efosa Ogbebor, in a statement, said joint security forces had launched a search-and-rescue operation to track the kidnappers in the forests surrounding Okpella.
He added that the Edo State Commandant, Gbenga Agun, had visited both the crime scene and the injured personnel in hospital.
“As I speak, our operatives and sister agencies are combing the bush to rescue the expatriate and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Ogbebor said.
Adibe Emenyonu
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