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By Myke Agunwa, Abuja
Suspected kidnappers on Friday killed eight personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) attached to BUA Cement Factory located in Okpella, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Four persons were also injured and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, according to an NSCDC official.
The senior officer of the command in the state, who made the revelation on Saturday, said that one expatriate, a Chinese national, was kidnapped while four of his compatriots were rescued from their abductors.
He added that an official statement would be released at the command headquarters in Abuja.
The officer who would not want his name mentioned said, “Eight of our members were indeed killed by kidnappers, but a statement will be officially released later today in Abuja
“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,” the top official added.
Meanwhile, the Commandant, Agun Gbenga, has visited the scene of the crime and the hospital where the injured are being treated.
It was also gathered that joint security operations with sister agencies have commenced, combing the surrounding forest in pursuit of the perpetrators.
Recall, sixteen passengers abducted along the Benin-Auchi Road in Edo State on Friday were rescued, the Edo State Police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed on Saturday.
The victims, who were travelling to Abuja, were forced into the forest before police and local vigilantes launched a rescue operation.
The spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu said, “The kidnapping took place on Friday at about 16:30 hrs. Sixteen of the victims have been rescued so far, as the search and rescue operation by the command in collaboration with vigilantes and hunters continues.”
These incidents highlight the critical security challenges in Edo State as authorities intensify efforts to restore safety and justice.